One day we’re living life as usual and the next we’re quarantining ourselves due to an airborne illness called Coronavirus. Our days are now instilled with warnings—it’s sort of like a science fiction movie. The reality is we’re becoming exposed to a virus, which is unfamiliar to medical professionals, and is spreading worldwide. It attacks the human respiratory system, like the flu, and at present, there’s no known cure or vaccine. Those at highest risk are the elderly, infants and people with compromised immune systems, i.e., asthmatics, diabetics, anyone with autoimmune disorders.
Although a mutual feeling of unease, and even fear, permeates our world right now, I hope, as a society, we take an active part in listening and minimizing our contact with other people by staying home.
Instead of complaining, “There’s nothing to do! We’re so bored! We’ll go crazy!” …
Take this opportunity to pull out family photo albums or open picture folders on your computer. Assign captions to the photos or simply take a moment to identify and label who’s in them. Pick up your cell phone or get on email and send or attach a photo to a friend. Check in with a loved one using Skype or Facetime and hold up photos to reminisce together. It sends a wonderful message that you care and are thinking of others, especially ones who live alone or have dementia. Even if they don’t remember later you’ve contacted them, in the moment, you’ve made a connection.
In times like these we can stay in, stay cozy, and stay connected. As one social media meme put it:“Your grandparents were called to war. You’re being called to sit on your couch. You can do this.”
