Spring and Covid-19

I’ve been pretty much home bound since about March 10. While I’ve been staying in, spring has arrived outside.

I love seeing the wildflowers in the spring. A couple of days ago, I drove to a doctor’s office and saw bunches of wildflowers blooming along the roadways. The wildflowers are abundant and thriving due to plenty of March rain. Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, and Pink Evening Primrose were pleasant to see. I’ve been outside some, but I haven’t been driving the roads outside of my neighborhood.

I didn’t need a government order to stay at home. When the news started talking about China and Italy, and then talking about some cases in the U.S., I decided then it would be best for me to stay at home and avoid public areas as much as possible. I’m pretty much at high risk since respiratory illnesses are tough for me. Right now, there are several states which haven’t issued stay-at-home orders. This concerns me. Many do not take this pandemic seriously and surprisingly enough do not have the intelligence to stay at home unless ordered to. Even then, many won’t stay at home.

Look at the college kids who descended upon Florida and elsewhere during Spring Break. One girl was interviewed on national news by saying that they were living for only themselves. Other comments included: “If I get corona, I get corona.” When the bars were shut down, “I think they’re blowing it way out of proportion.” “This virus ain’t that bad.” True 20 year-old attitudes. Don’t interfere with my fun. Nothing bad will happen to me. Yep. It’s true. The virus may not be that bad for you, but it could be really bad for someone else–and not just parents or grandparents. Kudos to the man in New York who would not let his son or his friends even come in the house when they returned from Spring Break. He did not want the grandparents put at risk. I’ve also heard of gatherings and parties taking place.

A choir rehearsal in Washington state was not a good idea. This took place in early March when many cases and deaths had been reported in Seattle. They decided that Skagit County would be okay. Sixty members of the choir showed up. During the rehearsal, no one coughed or sneezed, and no one seemed to be ill. Later, three quarters of the choir tested positive for Covid 19. Several died.

There are pastors still holding church services in spite of the warnings and orders. One pastor in Florida was arrested. Even more amazing to me are the people who actually attended those services. With the many tools available today making it possible to have services on line, this kind of behavior is irresponsible. I love God with all my heart, and I trust Him to protect me from this virus. However, that doesn’t mean I should ignore warnings, orders, and guidelines.

I have found plenty to keep me busy and happy. I’m working on my pile of crochet projects. I’m finding more time to write and view on-line writing workshops. I don’t like it, but when the rain stops I spend some time pulling weeds. I’m even making some progress with the weeds. (I’m thinking about giving myself a reward when I finish.)

Yes. There are times I wish I could go to a nice restaurant and have a nice meal. And there are countless times during the day when I wish I could see my grandkids and give them great big hugs. However, I remind myself of all I have to be thankful for, and I’m very grateful to have FaceTime. I will make it through this, and most likely will still be sane. I’m sure you will, too.

As of the time I’m writing this, the U.S. has over 300,000 cases of Covid 19. That is only counting those who were tested. Nearly 65,000 people have died from this disease in the U.S. The U.S. has now surpassed all other countries in cases and deaths. (I know that those numbers are low when you consider how big our country is.) And it was being reported this evening (Saturday, April 4) that hotspots like New York, Detroit, and Louisiana have not even peaked yet.

I’m so pleased to see the appreciation for doctors and nurses who are on the front lines battling this disease. They are experiencing such turmoil and hardship. We need to keep them in our prayers along with our government officials, and other essential workers. We also need to keep in prayer the unsung heroes in the hospitals like those doing the laundry and doing the cleaning as they are also as much at risk as the doctors and nurses.

We need to pray for those without jobs or paychecks. I’m sure they are worried about how to pay bills and keep food on the table.

Stay safe and stay home. We need to help each other get through this. Only God knows what tomorrow will bring. I’m trusting Him.