Fingering A New Page

Although the lovely lavender crocuses were up, I tucked into a jacket and wrapped a scarf around my mouth and neck. Each step took me a around and around a neighborhood that had been walked for many years. Head down I positioned my collar against the wind. Until I turned the corner. All was still. The deepness of blue sky contrasted with the reviving emerald lawns. Plump robins chirped and the golden forsythia bushes danced along the street. Facing my cheeks to the sun, the warmth was very calming.

It was the perfect Spring day.

For a while there was not a single person in sight. No yard games or driveway basketball.

Then a car passed by, the driver slowed ... he waved and yelled “hello” out the window.

A couple crossed the street ahead of me and I cut across a vacant lot to allow for a woman walking her dog. Conversation was carried on with both from a distance. Another man parked in his driveway and chatted. Animated with many hand gestures, he told his story while I nodded and smiled.

Be safe. Be well.

I headed to my street. All was right even though all was wrong with the world. I pondered the gregarious encounters I received—much more than usual. Perhaps it is because we are all tired of being tied to our houses—as sweet as home can be. Probably it is because a new page was being experienced, by all of us.

In good spirits from the brisk walk, I stepped into the house. Uncertainty wrapped around anticipation like a burned bun wrapping a grilled hot dog. Today was my son’s birthday. But our celebration would be different. Although into his adult years and not expectant of childish games, there were longings for that special family gathering. It was not to be. Our celebratory mood was clipped by the headlines of the newspaper, the blaring news on the living room TV.

Time to begin another tradition—bring on a new festivity! We were a party of three, counting myself and my husband. A favorite meal was prepared and set upon colorful dishware. A triumph! Smiling, we all clapped as a decadent chocolate cake was placed in the middle of the table … and decorated with a single candle. Lighthearted chatter gladdened our hearts, conquering the depressed hum that had disquieted us.

Be safe. Be well.

Praying is essential. Engaging in simple tasks helps. I picked up a sponge and cleaned the kitchen, praying for the sick—especially those in hospitals and nursing homes—as well as the medical professionals tending to them. Singing uplifting tunes, appliances began to glow; my restlessness appeased by twisting a dust rag through my fingers.

By keeping both hands and heart busy can curtail anxiety—well, most of the time. Morning coffee was put on, daily exercise taken, either by walking or stationary bike. I wrote articles. I painted fresh themes in watercolor compositions. I prepared tasty meals and read uplifting books, especially before bed. Most evenings I slept well. All were personal efforts to take control by keeping my mind and body strong.

There was also an urgency to focus on the needs around me. An optimistic attitude was maintained with members of my family living away and those still home, prompting a positive attitude. Reaching beyond the four walls to others happened by telephone, texting and mailing encouraging letters. At times a personal visit was paid to a friend’s house and we chatted a distance from the doorstep. Simple efforts to reach out while yielding to quarantine status.

Trying to do carry on a usual day in a world struggling through such unsettling health issues, is like watching a frightening movie. “Unprecedented”, the networks say, a world virus like this hasn’t happened in a hundred years. To overcome this unseen foe, a vital response is required now, in every household on every street in the entire world. A very tall order.

Be well. Be safe.

The business engine of society has slowed way down. Most disconcerting are the number of workers who have lost jobs in various sectors. Employees with electronic screens on dining room tables are nimbly fingering for their paycheck. They are distance conferencing for major companies, creating novel curriculum for home schooling and establishing government directives and so much more. Together we are learning to cope by social distancing, wearing a mask in public places, and one-person shopping in grocery stores. And we are engaging long enough in these behaviors to create habits.

Personally, I have vague memories of shopping and have forgotten how to drive a car. I use salt water to gargle and I have no idea what day it is. Nowadays, I’m sporting a hairstyle that mimics a patchy lump of green sod tilting on my head. Ugh.

Hmm ... where did all the toilet paper go?

Despite the inconveniences, there is much to be thankful for. My husband works from home which has allowed us time, which we haven’t had in many years. I see the kids once a week by tagging up with computer apps. The refrigerator has nourishing foods and there is plenty of coffee to perk. I appreciate the creative streaming and e-mails—especially the recent church services, special library resources, town mayoral updates. Also, I am grateful for the regular garbage pick-up. Each week I open the front door and wave to the workers. And they wave back.

We are in need of endurance, encouraging one another on each day. Under hovering clouds, we are encountering a foreign, unsettling life. For now. But one day, a newfound vision will see a clearing horizon. A vision that will embrace change with renewed hope and strength.

In years to come, this historical event will provoke powerful commentaries, as we move forward to fingering a new page. Until then, I will greet the morning, jumping from the night covers, saying, “I’M ALIVE!"

Spring 2020

… and that’s how I live it.