Social distancing, physical distancing, social tightening, stay at home orders, etc…whatever language you use, we have all become too familiar with all of these currently due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States. Being from New York and hearing from my friends and family there my mindset has been one of concern, specifically for my mom, who originally said she would be fine! It wasn’t until I cried to her over the phone about everything being so serious and that she really needed to stay put at home. My friends have a variety of thought processes on everything going on but one thing is for sure….everyone is concerned!
Our new normal has become something that none of us ever even fathomed would happen. Movies and Netflix have portrayed this type of situation in their “fictional” stories. I’m not even really sure that anyone will be the same after all of our quarantining is complete. Our world is a different place - many struggle with those who continue to socially interact together, millions are going stir crazy amid all of the stay at home or shelter in place orders, while others are emotionally exhausted from watching or reading the news of such dire circumstances that make it seem as though there is no hope.
Living in Louisiana, and closer to New Orleans, has been a little bit of a challenge for me since my mom is still in New York. In fact she cried to me over the phone last night about how much she wanted to visit but can’t right now. My closest friends have become my family down here and for that I am most certainly blessed. They have been my shoulder to cry on (at least through FaceTime), my social interaction through the House Party app, and the women who I have relied on the most throughout this challenging time. We all have our challenges with the passing days but we all know that whatever any of us need, we will be there.
One of my best friends is a nurse and she has been an absolute ROCKSTAR while all of this has been coming in. As emotionally drained as she is, she still knows that she has a responsibility to our community - that is the field she chose (her words, not mine!). She has gone to work and always seems to find some highlight in her days, even when things don’t always look so positive. I endlessly thank her for the work she is doing!
I felt like I needed to share in these grey days - I have good days and I have really bad days where I become so emotionally distraught that going back to sleep is the only inviting task of my day. I have spent time reading, Netflix-ing, puzzling, taking care of business items, talking and FaceTiming with friends and family, and writing. Most recently we have been issued to stay home through April 30th, so our new “normal” continues.
What has felt like forever, has truly only been two weeks - several more to go! I miss people and I miss just being able to get up and just going to do something. Perhaps when this is all over we will all be more thankful for the little things that have been taken away during this time. Today Louisiana had the highest increase of cases overnight. Its a scary world right now, but do not lose hope. We will continue to fight this as we learn new ways to live and cope…but hope, hope will always be there to carry you through!
