A Little Help, E.Kubler-Ross
Alone In The Desert
Early February 2020
I just read that there is this virus coming out of Asia. It might impact the country and its economy. It's certainly not as bad as Cable news is making it out to be. I won't waste time and worry about what might be.
Mid-February 2020
I guess it's a little bit more serious than I thought. The governor has just declared a statewide lockdown as most of the hospitals are packed with virus victims. So I intend to use this little hiatus to catch up on a bunch of household tasks and to tackle the stack of books on my nightstand. I've even subscribed to Ancestry.Com and purchased software to help me categorize the thousands of pictures I have. I think this time will be a valuable pause in a busy life.
Early March 2020
It's been rainy, cold, and gray for days. One cannot get much done in this weather, but I'll start with a bang on the first sunny day. Until then I will set up several accounts to have my groceries and restaurant orders delivered.
May 2020
Finally, the rains are gone; the sun is out. Unfortunately, I've spent a lot of time on important online activities, but soon will get some outside tasks finished. Then I'll devote my time to reading and family research.
Late May 2020
God, it's been hot. I can't do a lot outside when the temperature hovers above 90. I haven't done much reading. I seem to wake up later and later. I rise, watch the Virus task force report. After the update, I am depressed and don't feel like doing very much, and soon it's time for bed.
Early Summer 2020
I've been inside for several weeks now and I am disgusted with myself for not taking more advantage of the time. I'm told that the virus thing is better and under control. So I'll be able to spend time on my task list. Soon, I'll get some reading done. Also, I have yet to find out whatever happened to my third great grandfather right after he left Oslo.
Sometime in 2020
Questions whirl through my mind. Why would ancestry charge me extra to find out what happened in Norway? How could some asshole tell me to inject bleach and lay in the sun to protect myself from the virus? Why the hell did I keep all these stupid photos? Why should I care what my house looks like? I'll never be outside again to look at it. I hate pizza and Taco Bell. I want to go to the Cheesecake Factory again. And I swear if one more person steps off the sidewalk rather than walking past me I'm going to lose control. Mostly though, have you ever wondered why people keep so many stupid books stacked on their end tables? OK, OK, perhaps I've internalized the problem a bit too much. But then again, is it too much? No laughter now enters the door. A door that once opened to laughter and camaraderie brought in my son and daughter, friends, and grandkids. A door which now threatens to open upon those horrible fantasies dreamt up by Edgar Allan Poe. There is no life. There is no hope. There is nothing.
Sometime Later
Whew, that was dark! I guess life is dark sometimes, and without your consent, presents you with an opportunity to grow; no matter how painful. Let me rephrase that. I am thankful that my loved ones are healthy and close by. I am thankful I have a comfortable house to take refuge in. I thank those wonderful people who everyday take on the task of keeping us safe and warm and fed as this once-in-a-lifetime imposition continues to give us a once in a lifetime opportunity.