The rule of thumb is Safer at Home and in the Vast Great Outdoors. Face masks are required in all public spaces. All are encouraged to be home by 10PM. So I ask, how do you navigate all that? I wonder that every time I don't put on a mask when someone comes to the door (they are masked). I wonder that every time I go in a grocery store and see folks not wearing a mask. I wondered that as the announcement came over the loud speaker today at the grocery store that we should all be covered and then the deli counter guy only had his mouth covered. (I did stop in at customer service to ask... and one manager type guy went ballistic and raced from the room). I wondered as I drove by Starbucks yesterday and they were still allowing people to come inside rather than their former rule of drive-up or outside the door pick-up only. I do take precautions in public places, but not in my own home, though I do wish my hands frequently, clean counters and towels and bedding regularly.
So how are you responding? Are you getting less and less vigilant? Are you repeated saying "I am so over this!" Are you choosing to go back to your normal routine? With the rising numbers of positive cases are you back to more hand washing the use of disinfectant and hand sanitizer? Are you wiping down your grocery cart? Are you wiping your packaging and washing fruits and vegetables when you get home? Are you afraid or do you feel as though there is way too much hype? Are you in Biden's camp or Trumps? Do you know anyone who has tested positive? What's going through your head these days?
I sense a restlessness in many. People are so focused on themselves that they forget there is the wide world surrounding them. But I believe the pandemic is reminding them that there is something bigger then themselves going on, reminding them of who and what is important to them. That's a good thing wouldn't you say? Rather than moan about Covid and the restrictions it places on us, I need to focus on what is real and true and hopeful. I need to focus on connecting with family and friends. I need to focus on my ability, because of the choices I am afforded, to choose healthy. I need to focus on the glory of food, water and shelter that gifts me every single day.
I did see one guy come out of a market, rip off his mask, announce to no one specific "fuckin' mask', but he had worn it into the store. And if truth be told, though the margin is small, there are many haphazard ways people wear their mask. Just covering their chin, just covering their mouth, or too big and open on the sides. Of course this is coupled with a suspicion that they aren't washing them every day or even very often.
I guess the important thing to remember is that there are two camps and both are hearing the same publicly available information. We need to acknowledge that some believe in doing whatever is necessary to curtail the virus. Others believe we need to get on with our lives, let people make a living and kids go to school. So what camp are you in?
I am thinking I am somewhere inbetween. I have certainly been vigilant to keep Russ safe and out of any health facilities. I agree that masking up in public is the right way to go. But I have had friends over for an outside gathering and not masked. No matter my thinking, I care about the peace of mind of my family, friends and neighbors, even if they hold different attitudes. Covid is anxiety provoking and the ramifications of the restrictions can become an overwhelming result.
Just before finishing this piece I read in our local paper that Durango is now Level Red. That is far more extreme, far more anxiety provoking, far more serious. Again, in this month of Thanksgiving I am grateful for the vast pieces of my life that will support us through this and we thankfully have one another and are not alone. What is my immediate plan?...
- diligently wash our masks each night
- wash hands with each shift of activity
- shop for 3 weeks at a time in small stores
- reach out to several vulnerable people each day by phone or text
- Just BE, be us in our cozy abode
- pray for vulnerable people, especially the elderly, those living alone and those with young children
With that, I bid you peace, love and hope.