Was I dreaming, or is this really happening? That’s usually my first thought lately when I wake up each morning . Sometimes a few coughs or a tickle can make me overthink. Do I feel a tightness in my chest? What is that cough about? But then, I get up, get moving, take a shower and I realize that I am just fine, at least for now.
This is definitely history in the making, and the Pandemic of 2020 will always be remembered. The Corona Virus, or COVID 19 has us experiencing some things that we have never experienced before. Never in my lifetime have we been urged, or forced for some, to stay in our homes for extended periods of time. It has been about a week now here, but it already feels longer than that. In other countries like China and Italy, quarantine, lockdown or social isolation, has been going on longer. We are used to having the freedom, especially in the United States, to go about and do as we desire every day of our lives. It is difficult socially, emotionally and definitely financially. But the alternative ramifications if we don’t isolate ourselves could be devastating, especially for the older population and for those with compromised immune systems.
People with children at home are feeling the stress, challenged and perhaps confined as they strive to keep kids busy and happy. But for those all alone, it can be very difficult as this isolation goes from days into weeks. People who are already alone a great deal of the time and rely on social activities or regular visits from family or friends may be feeling depressed or extremely abandoned.
Even though I have a husband to keep me company, I found myself feeling lonely and sad yesterday. I realized that I needed to find purpose and do something that might help, if even in a small way.
I began with writing my two elderly aunts who are alone. One is in a care center which is on lockdown. The other is in her own home, but all alone. Getting communication from loved ones is paramount right now. An email, text or especially phone call, so that you can hear someone’s voice has the potential to lift one up and help to put this temporary situation into perspective. We don’t have control over many things regarding the circumstances this virus has placed us in, but we can still have control over our attitude and our smaller, personal world.
A hobby that I have is making soaps. I’ve heard that some seniors are low on basic supplies because they are afraid to go out, or unable to do their shopping. I took a box of extra soaps to the senior center, which is collecting such products. I dropped the box on the back steps and give them a call to let them know of the delivery. Hopefully these pretty soaps will be enjoyed and useful to the seniors.
I also am trying to get in touch with a local care center to see if any of their residents would like an email pal. This might help with the loneliness I’m sure they are experiencing on lock- down.
These are just a few ideas that I’ve had and I’m sure that you have your own that you can implement for you and those around you. We just have to be creative and think outside the box, but we can still help others and enrich our own lives while we are limited in our socialization.
1. For right now, we need to stay at home with as little exposure to others as possible. Fortify ourselves with exercise and healthy eating, and of course practice hygiene such as hand-washing.
2. We need to communicate with friends and family through email, phone calls, and texts.
3. We need to be creative and stay busy within our own space. Clean out closets, read, do those projects you’ve been putting off for years, like possibly learning a language or start a new hobby. A rare opportunity to not feel guilty about doing the things we want to do within our own home, without distractions.
This too will eventually pass, and many lives will be saved through our diligence, maybe even our own life. God is still in charge and He is mindful of us. We must not forget Him. Pray. He can help us and others, through us. I stopped writing for awhile and then I thought about you. My writing helps me and hopefully will lift someone else out there. Be assured that you are not completely alone or forgotten. Stay healthy and happy.
Over 55 and loving it...mostly 