This is not the same world that it once was. We are ALL feeling the effects of the terrifying Covid-19 pandemic. Once thought to be the subject of science fiction, our reality proves once again that what was once a writer’s grim imagination, has become only too REAL. How are YOU coping?
We traveled recently, so when we came home we put ourselves in ‘isolation’ for the mandated two weeks. Today is day twelve… But that is not the end of it. Will it really be any different after day fourteen? I think not. In fact, I’m wondering if it will EVER be back to the way it was.
Yesterday our province has declared a ‘state of emergency‘ and has mandated that ALL incomers, included those who are just coming from another province within Canada must also ‘self-isolate’! Residents can be fined up to $1,000.00 if they do not adhere to social distancing or self-isolation. Businesses can be fined up to $7,500.00 dollars. Social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. Things we took for granted are no longer possible. Things like visiting long-term care homes, visiting hospital patients, walking in the park, hosting a birthday party, getting a hair-cut, going to the dentist, eating out at a restaurant, riding a bus… to name but a few.
What CAN we do? Well, we can interact with those within our homes. Teach children new skills. Not everything they learn should come from their schools. Play games, teach them how to cook, sew on a button, READ. We have the opportunity to make the time at home ‘Quality Time’, so let’s take advantage of that opportunity. Reaching out to others is more important than ever, though we can only do it via telephone and social media. It is difficult for people like me, who are affectionate. I miss the hugs of friends and family. My poor husband is getting more than his fair share of hugs. LOL
I saw this graphic on Instagram and thought I’d share it in case you’ve missed it:
In case you’re in the mood for a little time waster, I’ve created a word-search puzzle for all you book lovers out there. It contains 40 book related terms that can be in any direction, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
You can do it the ‘analog’ way with paper and pencil by simply downloading this graphic and print it.
At the end of the day, we are all in the same boat. The entire world is affected. That holds its own kind of perverse comfort – knowing that you’re NOT alone.
Just some of the things I’m worrying about are:
How will this affect the economy in the long term? (and our families finances in particular)
Will people working in the hospitality industry, in restaurants, the entertainment industry etc, be able to endure through the bad times without going under?
What kind of world will my grandson grow up in?
Will international travel be a thing of the past after this is over?
Will those living ‘paycheck to paycheck‘ be able to cope emotionally and financially?
Will our elderly populations suffer emotionally in such a way that they won’t be able to come back from it?
Are the people who are dying from the coronavirus dying alone? (without family and friends to comfort them)
Fictionophile 
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Thanks for this post Lynne. I have all those same concerns as you. I am on my 8th day of isolation and because I live alone, it is truly isolation. I am so thankful for technology. I have been able to chat and video chat with family and friends which makes a big difference. I have tried to order from restaurants who do delivery to help a little bit. I think it is going to take a long time for economic recovery, but the whole world is in the same boat. I agree with what Davida said above, if I had read this in a book a year ago, I would have called it fiction. Stay safe and healthy Lynne.
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Same to you Carla. And you are NOT alone – I’m only ever an email away.
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Thanks Lynne.
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This is something I think even a good fiction writer couldn’t have thought up. Surreal! Take care!
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Thanks and you take care as well. Hopefully we’ll all soon be thinking back on this time as a dark memory.
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I’m in the US and my husband had neck surgery, I wasn’t able to stay with him for it or visit after as the hospital went into lockdown to keep everyone safe and prevent the spread, which is a good thing of course but it was tough knowing he went through it alone. Much respect to our healthcare workers, they are really working so hard everywhere.They took great care of him. And I am thankful we have cell phones and internet, it’s how I communicated with my husband when he was out of surgery and was able to let all our family know he was okay. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for a family member with the virus 😦 Can you imagine how much rougher this would all be without communication. Wow. Also I live in Fl, yep we had people on the beach despite being told to stay away, people coming from out of state too to ‘enjoy spring break’. Sigh… Great post
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I hope your husband is recovering well after his surgery. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope that you and yours come out of this scary time healthy. ❤
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It is interesting to experience a global pandemic….to be experiencing the same fears, isolation, anxiety…..thank goodness for the internet and social media and blogging friends! I worry, too, about small business owners and those living from pay check to paycheck. It will take years to recover. I worry about two members of our family that are medical professionals. I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on reading….I even read some chic lit last week! That seemed to work better than my usual heavier reads. Also I’m watching my two grandsons who are off from school…so my days are not as peaceful as usual! We’re on total lockdown here and our governor finally resorted to closing beaches, etc because people will not stay home!
Stay safe!
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Thanks for sharing your viewpoint Carol. It is always great to hear how others are coping. Hope this all ends soon for all of our sakes. ♥
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I wish the government in the UK had introduced fines – then we wouldn’t have had stupid people go the beach at the weekend as if it was a holiday
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Yes, I agree. I just heard on the news that in the United States Trump is suggesting that people will soon be returning to work. It would seem that the American government care more about the economy than they do about saving lives.
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Thanks for posting this, Lynne, it really is bleak out there isn’t it. The UK has just been put under lockdown. I’m going to be spending the next few weeks catching up on my TBR pile, especially as I now have unlimited time to get to the reads I’ve been wanting to get to for years.
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Glad you’ve discovered your ‘silver lining’ Jacob. We must all try to think positive.
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Thanks for this post, a bright light today. It is snowing out and it is very beautiful. So, two blessings today. Glad to hear you are doing okay and still writing. Being alone has been weird at times, tough, and then downright depressing. But your wonderful post and just as amazing readers/commenters help. Cheers!
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It is always assuring to know that we are not alone, however dire the circumstances.
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Thanks for this.
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You are very welcome Jennifer. ♥
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Thinking of you and wishing you well. Thanks for this post.
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Thanks Joyce. Wishing you strength to get through this most difficult of times.
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Thank you so much. It is such an impossible and surreal time. We must believe that it will eventually pass. In the meanwhile, I’ll continue to enjoy your blog. Keep writing!
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I am pleased to read you are well in your 14 day isolation – best to stay there for now.
I have been distracted from being on line with fixing leaking roofs, insulation work and getting ready for builders to do some extensive work. I have moved into my bedroom – and now, no one is coming to do the work. It makes me wonder why I need more than one room and a kitchen.
I am also caring for my 85 year old mother who lives alone. She is relatively healthy but in the last three years I have gradually become her carer – shopping, hospital taxi, housework and so much more. How did I get into this position?
Take care every one.
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Thanks for sharing your story James. The elderly all need our compassion during this difficult time.
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I’m feeling overwhelmed by it all and trying to stay positive xx
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I think everyone is feeling the way you are Nicki. Unprecedented in our lifetime, this situation is hard to get your head around…
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Thanks for verbalizing how I feel.
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I’m worrying about the same things as you. There is every reason to worry.
A medical remedy (vaccine or something else) is needed pronto.
All the best to you and yours.
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Our worries are the same. Our situation is the same. We are ALL trying to make sense of the inconceivable new reality called ‘Pandemic’.
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A number of concerns surround this pandemic, Lynne. It is hoped that we can learn from it and go on feeling grateful for our way of life. Thanks for the suggestions and the uplifting words. Your worries are very real and given the human degree of selfishness no easy fixes.
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Thanks John. As you say, our worries are validated but no less worrying. Take care.
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😊
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I’m nervous about how it will all turn out. But I remind myself that most people will survive. Also we’ve lived through Hitler and Nixon and Kennedy getting shot and world wars. And so many terrible things that we’ve overcome and thrived after. We will get through this. 💕
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Your positivity is much needed by many Lorilin. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, it’s a scary time because everyone feels such loss of control. However, the more we listen to and implement the advice, the quicker this will be over, I hope. People doing jobs that were underappreciated (and probably underpaid) are being recognised as heroes and vital parts of our community. Thank goodness for the online book community. It’s the only thing keeping me sane at the moment, LOL.
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Well stated Cathy. When this ends we should have vastly different views on our fellow countrymen and the way we conduct our lives.
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Indeed. My husband is fond of the saying, “Experience is bought and not taught”.
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Exactly Cathy. Thanks. Life skills are all too often pushed to the back burner in children’s education.
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Here in the UK, the nightmare is growing worse. Total lockdown is imminent because people are ignoring the warnings. Trying hard not to drown in depression, but getting harder to stay cheerful…
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Same here…
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