“Well, there is one good thing about a national crisis (whether it be a blizzard, a hurricane, or a pandemic) it levels the playing field for everyone. We’re all in the same boat.”

These wise words were spoken by my even wiser husband. A man who during this time of extended “relaxation” has lost much that is dear to him, namely sports. He turned on ESPN recently just to make sure this isn’t all just a bad dream and told me the only thing on is Curling Night in America. I got a little excited when he mentioned this one until I realized it was on a sports channel and was not a self-help video for curly hair. 

When H1N1 was a thing about 10 years ago, I had barely heard of it until I went to the doctor for bronchitis. The nurse told me they’d have to test me for H1N1. I agreed and she stuck a two-foot long Q-tip up my nose. I could only assume she was trying to get a brain sample. That, too, was a cautious time; a painful but cautious time; still, it was not like this cautious time. During H1N1 we didn’t have to work from home. 

My current work-from-home status has given me some new and peculiar “co-workers.” We’ve been somewhat sequestered for over a week now and though they are mostly laid back, I would have to say, some of their daily habits are more than a little disconcerting. The older one sleeps all day and snores relentlessly. She occasionally passes gas and she doesn’t seem to care who hears her. Of course she is about 107 years old, so there is that. My other, much younger co-worker is always barking orders and consistently tries to bury her food. I’ve decided she’s a hoarder. She also eats lizards. She’s very attractive and thinks she can get away with things by looking innocent and adorable. Unfortunately, she’s right. 

“Co-workers” aside, I have learned some exciting new things through all of this! Can I tell you I am grateful for technology? I can still teach my classes by making YouTube videos! How about THAT! Of course, I had to call my oldest grandson to figure out how, but I think I’ve got it! Production, hopefully, starts tomorrow. 

There’s something else I’ve learned, something that, when I think about it, has been a consistency throughout history. Back in WWII, men were called to war, women were called to work, and people everywhere were called to ration for the war effort. There were rations for coffee, sugar, butter, and gas. Pretty much everything except fruits and vegetables was rationed. When more rubber was needed people turned in old tires and women, believe it or not, gave up their corsets and girdles which had a high rubber content. Their lives completely changed almost overnight. They had no idea what the future held for them, but they did what had to be done. Together. They were called the Greatest Generation.  They were our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents and they taught us well. They taught us by example. We can do the same. We have not been called to war. We have been called to slow down. To relax. Isn’t that what we always say we want to do? 

I began this post with a quote from a very wise man, I’d like to end it the same way. I give you a public service announcement from my favorite, Mr. Fred Rogers…

“…so many caring people in this world.” In the light of all eternity, that’s what really matters. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home. It’s really not that big a deal!