Right after my last column and just before I planned to head out and try window shopping therapy, the virus pandemic controls ramped up, and most stores introduced measures to control the number of people actively moving through their doors. In other words, they closed up shop! It was the right thing to do, of course, and therefore it also made sense that I put my buying challenge on hold, at least until life got back to normal. Unfortunately, life today is anything but!
Now here we are. One week into April. It is very quiet on our street as our neighbours are all trying to stay home as much as possible to help slow the virus spread. We still need food, supplies, and fresh air, so we go out when we have to, but we are very aware of distancing ourselves from others for their sake and for ours. The same applies when Dave goes in for his cancer therapy as he now goes into the hospital alone, and I wait for him in the car. We miss being able to see our grandchildren and friends up close and in person but are grateful - oh so grateful - that we have phones, videos, FaceTime and Messenger. Even though some of our kids are home full time, due to lack of work, they are doing OK. And so far, the same goes for everyone we know.
The government, institutions, businesses, and yes, we are slowly adapting to a situation that is evolving almost hourly. Dave and I have gone from nipping out to the grocery store daily to once a week order-by-email with a contactless pick-up. Everything about how we approach doctor’s visits (now accomplished by phone whenever possible), prescription renewals (same), and household purchases (on-line, with prayers that what we ask for is what we will get), has changed. It all requires forethought, and honestly, for that very reason, although we will come out of this fine, I don’t think we will ever go back to living the way we did before. Not completely. Caution will always be our guide.
Sometimes it’s hard to see the bright side, but there have been many smiley moments. Our daughter in B.C. sends regular updates, videos of Harper and Oliver riding their bikes, and playing with empty plastic cups, tossing them up high to see whose cup will land upright first. Our son in Regina sent daily pictures of our second grandson sleeping through his first two months. Now we get videos of toothless grins, fat cheeks and wiggly arms and legs. Nathan is becoming more and more alert, an adorable bundle of energy. Our Saskatoon crew sends shots of Evan working out, keeping his gymnastics skills up to speed, and of Cara; baking, reading and laughing. Our other daughter gives us weekly reports on the growth and imminent arrival of her Boston Terrier puppy. We use a family Messenger Chat to stay in touch with each other and to let it be known that we are all alright. It’s working, as we haven’t spoken this much with one another in years!
Dave and I drove to Regina one day, a simple drop-off of papers for the accountant and nothing else. It was great to see people in their cars or walking down the street. On the way home, we talked about the positives. The oceans and skies are cleaner than before. The roads are experiencing less wear and tear as fewer people are driving on them, hopefully resulting in a drop in accidents. Parents and children are spending more time together. A little good to soften the blow of the bad.
We are getting better at playing Scrabble, and at listening to each other even when we discover after a long conversation that we weren’t even on the same topic. (Yes. This does happen, but it is worth the laughter.) Without all the real-life stresses, we are more patient with one another; when you are restricted to using the same space, you better work things out, or there will be trouble! We hope that all of you are doing OK. Spring is coming, and things will get better. One day at a time, folks. One day at a time.
- Liz Cameron
Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.