It’s called “the new normal”. Life as we knew it has changed. We don’t know how long this will last. It may keep coming on in waves until we get a vaccine for it or something to eradicate it if it is contracted.
The Covid-19 corona virus has hit and we are now in the midst of it. I heard we haven’t even peaked yet, but that may come in two weeks. People have been laid off in droves, all trips cancelled, no social gatherings allowed. We are told to wear masks and gloves if we have to go out, especially to shop for groceries. Distancing of 6 feet between people is being asked, as well as only to go out if absolutely necessary as for prescriptions and food. Most retail stores that don’t have these are closed. It is really hurting the small business owners. Restaurants are open for take-out only. Some people are afraid of this and subsequently most restaurants are barely hanging on.
Rob and I moved to Chesterfield on March 10th, two days before this was called a pandemic. We were told immediately to wash hands often, use social distancing, and only to go out if needed. The St. Louis county then made it mandatory and issued “stay at home” orders. We have stayed here using the time to unpack. We have also gone to our old house to finish gathering up the few items left there. It is a strange feeling anyway to be in a new place, but to add the distancing to that, it feels really odd.
We partly moved here to be nearer the church but have not even gone there since. All meetings are now being held via Zoom. It is nice to connect this way to see the faces of friends, and still get things done; however, less than a month ago I had never even heard of Zoom! Technology has been our friend and I am grateful for it.
As many do, I wonder how long this will go on. Should I sign up with a delivery service at the local grocery? So far Rob has been able to do it. Every day new cases of the virus are announced—yesterday there were 355 new cases in Missouri. St. Louis has formed a task force to coordinate care between all the major hospital systems. In New York, they are so overloaded they are using a ship to treat patients. People are making masks as supplies are low. Many businesses have switched their products to make face masks and shields, sanitizers, and ventilators for the severely ill. The hospitals were running out of all these items, scary.
Besides unpacking and organizing here, we are watching shows on Netflix and DVDs. I have a book I’m reading and a knitting project going. We are trying to cook more and making things that have leftovers. Yesterday was our 52nd anniversary. For the first time in all those years of being married I didn’t get a card for Rob. We celebrated with take-out from Coopers Hawk, and a bottle of wine.
Speaking of wine, it seems I’m drinking a little more these days—it is probably not good for my diabetes. It is something, however, that helps me chill out and enjoy the moment. We do have many blessings. Our new neighborhood has a nice area for walking and it’s mostly flat. I see neighbors and they greet me from 6 feet away. Many are out walking their dogs. The weather is now warmer and less rainy so that’s good. Our new place is nice, and the main living area has all we need on the same level. Our old house sold immediately for full price—we will have the closing at the end of the month, curbside, I’m told. They will email all the documents for us to read and then will bring out the pages that need signatures with a new pen that we can keep. Very different.
I am grateful for our family too. Our son and daughter-in-law sent us a “Covid care package” with gloves, masks and sanitizers. Our daughter and son-in-law helped us with the move and brought groceries one day. We even zoomed with the whole family one Friday night and had a virtual happy hour together! Rob has been doing his sermons online, using Zoom. His congregation has seemed to enjoy seeing each other that way too. Life is definitely different!
We are hopeful that this won’t last a long time, but are prepared if it does. Luckily we are used to being home so it is not too bad for us. I’m sure it is difficult for families with young children. Even parks are closed to help prevent the spread of the virus. I suspect our lives will be forever changed from this pandemic. My hope is that people will appreciate each other more, and be thankful for what they have. I hope they will realize that God didn’t cause this, but that God is working through others who are the helpers. I hope this will help people to connect on a deeper level than ever before. That would be a great “new normal”.
Sharon Cardwell
April 2020
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