COVID CHRONICLES DAY 4
What We’re Grateful For
Tuesday, March 24
Late posting. Today marks a baker’s dozen of days since the start of our self-quarantine. As of tomorrow, it will be safe to assume I will not be experiencing any symptoms. What does that change? I’m going to kiss my wife on the mouth for the first time in two weeks. I will avoid further detail…
But other than that, nothing is changing. I’m not leaving quarantine and leaving my wife behind. As long as she’s here, I’m here.
Rainy day today in Santa Cruz. Feeling reflective. Today is my wife’s second day on a low after a couple of days with more energy. This is the wave of how the virus progresses.
We recently passed the one-year mark of her back injury which laid her up completely for three months, with the pain continuing another six months. Plus, her chronic migraines (she has bravely given her permission to share this information). Between that and health crises in my extended family, it’s been quite a year! So, feeling crappy for days on end (again) isn’t easy for her. Or me, for that matter.
But this is why I’m not going anywhere. Because we are fortunate to be together during this ordeal. I’m holding on tighter, not looking for reasons to distance.
This was brought home by an interview with Amy Klobuchar we watched last night. She talked about how hard it is to be separated from her husband, John. He went into quarantine the moment he thought he might be affected. Now he’s in the hospital on oxygen. You could hear the anguish in her voice. She no doubt put a face for many on the fallout from this pandemic.
So, we’re grateful to be together. But that’s just the beginning. For example:
· My wife could get tested.
· Her symptoms have been relatively mild.
· Her fever and cough haven’t reappeared after a week.
· I remain asymptomatic.
· No other health problems have shown up during this time.
· We were able to minimize the effect on others.
· We have two beautiful rooms in which to quarantine.
· We have a beautiful view outside.
· We have family here who can bring us what we need.
· We have family and friends elsewhere sending love and support.
· We have full access to technology and all the services available.
· We have the financial resources to purchase whatever we need.
· We’re both still bringing in income.
· We have health insurance.
· We both have access to good medical care.
· We literally want for nothing right now.
All of this comes with recognition. My wife and I are acutely aware of how privileged we are. A national or international crisis like this one just places it all in sharp relief. It also reinforces our commitment to one of the values that brought us together: the Jewish concept of “Tikkun Olam,” or “Repairing the World.”
Today, the legendary San Francisco nightclub Slims announced it is closing its doors after 30 storied years (where we will always remember our nephew sitting in on drums for a song with the band Zed last year). No doubt you’ve already heard of other businesses doing the same. This is the tip of the iceberg.
When we all come out of this crisis, we’re going to need to put our communities, society and world back together again. That means building on the bonds we’re reinforcing during our isolation. So, take advantage of this time to rest. We have a lot of work ahead. And it’s going to take all of us.
(First published on Facebook on 3/24)
