Thoughts on the Pandemic and this awkward gift of time

Post date: Apr 10, 2020 8:40:05 PM

I’ve been in rehab mode since mid-December, with two knee replacement surgeries nine weeks apart, so staying at home has been my routine. My life has revolved around Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, a few doctor appointments, and several events for the League of Women Voters. I ventured into a couple of grocery stores in Feb. and early March, but since the encouragement to shelter in place in mid-March, I’ve only left the house for P. T. or a short ride in the car with Mike.

As we have all tried to adjust to staying home, I think we have gone through something of a grieving process, with many getting stuck in the denial phase. Our governor refuses to issue a statewide order to shelter in place, and it is a dubious distinction for Iowa to be one of a handful of states not doing so. Mike and I see a steady stream of traffic on Prairie Parkway, in front of our house, and I wonder where all those folks are going? On one of our short drives, we saw lines at McDonald's and Culver’s, and quite a few cars at the Dollar Store, Walmart, and Target.

Certainly, all of us have our grocery lists or crave a switch from home cooking, and I am not criticizing the urge for a burger or picking up groceries. However, as we look to the East coast and the West coast, we see our future, with many more people getting sick and being hospitalized. At a certain point, we will all need to take responsibility to safeguard ourselves, our loved ones, our friends and neighbors, and stay at home more.

I saw a post on Facebook joking about feeling sorry for all those husbands who had promised to do certain chores “when they had time.” Now, all of us have an awkward gift of time—the question is what are we going to do with it?

The possibilities are endless. Some of my creative friends are making face masks, finishing quilts, writing poetry, or painting. Others are making cookies, baking bread, or digging out recipes once thought promising, but too time consuming. My daughter has started to blog again. Many of us are cleaning more, attacking clutter in closets and drawers, and focusing on our homes. And, of course, those with children home from school are juggling caring for children, trying to guide them through homework, and trying to get their own work done. All of that togetherness is also testing patience, as we deal with family relationships at a whole new level. Fortunately, my husband Mike knows how to make me laugh, makes terrific grilled cheese sandwiches, and we have offices at opposite ends of the house, so we are doing well.

We were blessed to have our two grandsons for several days over spring break, before we reluctantly concluded that we needed to isolate ourselves. We had so much fun together, and made some good memories, baking banana bread, watching cartoons, making posters with grandpa’s funny old computer paper, and reading books.

Since I am still doing rehab, much of my time seems spent doing my exercises (or at least thinking about doing them), elevating my leg and using ice or heat to soothe sore muscles, as I watch TV, listen to music, read, or nap. I’ve managed to finish several series on Netflix and Amazon, including Psych.

I’ve been at work on a novel for several years and got a little stuck. Lately, I have been working on it again, and found it satisfying to have chunks of time where I can read over my draft, ponder additions, do research, and expand my thoughts. I’ve already made progress.

In the meantime, I have also made it a point to reach out to friends, via email, text, Facebook, and Facebook messenger. I think all of us are craving human connection right now. Last year, one of my childhood friends reached out to me and suggested we visit each week on Wednesday evening: it is one of the highlights of my week. Mike and I are working our way through several series, and it is our evening ritual to watch an episode or two, have some ice cream, and relax together.

Someday, life will return to a new normal. What will we reflect on when we look back on this time? Whether we master a foreign language, finish a quilt, teach children math and reading and writing, or binge watch Netflix, I have a feeling we will all look back at this gift of time with mixed feelings. I hope to use it to the best of my ability, and I hope you will do so as well.

Last updated April 10, 2020