We are all spending a lot of times alone and in our own heads these days.
It's hard not to focus on how this coronavirus affects us all personally as we worry about our physical and mental health, our social life and our bank account.
I had a seven-year-old friend send me a video expressing her exasperation with the whole nightmare ending with 'This is really impacting my life.'
I know, kid. I get it!
I like the “all for one and one for all” mentality and so have tried to try to consider how other people are suffering so much more.
A few scenarios came to mind.
What if this was a big milestone year for you?
What if you were to be in the graduating class of 2020? How disappointing must it be to fear not graduating? Imagine the sadness of never getting to receive your diploma along with your classmates — those that shared your senior years — and those whom you might never see again?
Carry that over to proms, which I think are still a very big deal for most young adults. No fancy dress or suit. No limo. No party.
Those school years and social connections have steadied me in many years long after dust covered the diploma, so I feel truly sorry to those who will miss that experience.
What if this was the year you finally decided to get married?
If that was the plan, you have no doubt already booked a hotel, caterer, hall, band, cake maker and honeymoon spot. You likely put down deposits.
All of the emotion already involved in that decision is now mixed in with losing money and possible rearranging of events. It has got to be heartbreaking.
I know it shouldn’t be about “the day” and the trappings, but tell that to the heart. It's an occasion most look forward to their whole lives and to have to postpone or cancel is just sad.
We were all looking forward to something whether it be Easter with family, a concert, a vacation, a shopping spree, a sporting event, or coffee with a pal.
Heck, at this point I would appreciate a meal with someone I don't like.
I feel like I’m under house arrest, but without doing the crime and without having the fancy ankle bracelet.
Believe me, there’s been plenty “woe is me” moments before I give my head a shake and remind myself this could be much, much worse.
For instance, what about getting COVID-19?
We know enough now to realize this is no ordinary flu.
The stories that break my heart most are about the people who are dying alone. Whether by COVID-19 or by other means, a death now means nobody at your side when it happens.
I have always thought the absolute worst thing would be to pass away with nobody there. It would be an agonizing for the patient and the surviving loved ones. I truly can’t think of anything worse.
While I don’t wish a death-bed vigil on anyone, either, I swear there’s a comfort in being able to just be there. The thought of being told you can’t go near your loved one just crushes my spirit.
No funeral. No visitation. No formal ending for a life well lived.
It seems undignified. It is most certainly unfair.
Thinking of all the possible heartbreaking possibilities the idea of just staying home with the cat and all the comforts of home seems completely doable.
All for one and one for all!
