I’ve got big ears, but my coronovirus facemask is too small. Or probably more accurately, my head is too big. It makes my ears stick out even more. I look a lot like like Sloth from Goonies. Only he’s got better skin tones. Hey you guys!
It’s amazing how fast the virus spread. Nearly 200 countries around the world have been affected by the pandemic. China, Italy, Korea, and Spain were hard hit. The first U.S. deaths were in Washington State on March 1. Grammy and I were in Florida when things started getting bad. On March 7, the first East Coast coronavirus deaths occurred in Fort Myers. where Grammy and I were staying! What are the odds of that? Scary.
The Week of March 8, everything falling to pieces.The NBA season, then college basketball’s annual March Madness tournament (my favorite sporting event). Major League Baseball’s cancelled Spring Training, then came concerts, Disney & Universal and movie theaters.
Agent Orange (the guy in the White House who doesn’t deserve to be called President of the United States) declared a National Emergency March 13. Friday, Better late than never bozo. That same day ended up being your last in person school day. Crazy.
We were supposed to stay in Florida another two weeks but drove back home March 15, 16 & 17. Once we got to the D.C. and New York City areas, the roads were nearly empty. So weird, especially zipping over the George Washington Bridge in NYC; we would have normally been in traffic for a long time.
You started remote learning on March 18. On March 26, Gov. Sununu of NH announced a “stay at home” statewide policy. Restaurants closed except for takeout; all public events were cancelled; retail stores shut down.
Everyone is talking about – and most are doing – “social distancing,” keeping at least six feet between us and others. It’s become the biggest buzzword of the pandemic. We’ll all be glad when we don’t hear it anymore! People are constantly reminded to wash their hands and wear face masks.
Spring school sports? Gonzo. Proms and graduations? Bye bye. I feel bad for everyone who won’t get to experience never-forget moments. Ben – your Junior Prom (although it may be rescheduled to Fall). Emma & Camden, your eighth grade graduations. We’ll make the best of it and celebrate a different way!!
Grocery shopping is one of the weirdest things of all. Everyone is paranoid, thinking ‘Does that person next to me have the virus?’ Everyone’s wearing masks, you don’t want to touch anything, people look at you like you’re guilty. When you get home we have to clean each item with disenfectant towels.
There are super high levels of FUD – Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt. And Stress!
It makes you appreciate the good old days when restaurants were open, grocery shopping was a breeze and no one thought you were robbing a bank.
For the past month, you’ve been learning and doing school work remotely. I’m sure it’s weird and not ideal. You can’t see your friends in person and don’t get the same quality of teaching from your teachers. It’s harder for you to concentrate and get things done. We’re sorry you have to go through this and wish school – and life – could be normal again. I’m proud of how you’ve adapted. FaceTime and Zoom meetings have helped you stay in touch with your friends and family. It’s not like being there in person, but it’s better than not seeing anyone, right? From what you’ve told me, it’s been a saving grace.
A lot of people have filed for unemployment; millions have lost their jobs in a matter of weeks. Small businesses (which employ half of the country’s workforce) have been especially hard hit. The government is trying to help, but it’s not enough.
Grammy and I text, talk on the phone and use video to keep in touch. We’ve donated to local charities to feed the hungry. I continue to help out with various social causes. We stay on top of the news. On the weekends we drive to see you and your parents, standing six feet apart to catch up. The hardest thing is not being able to hug or give you a kiss. Easter was weird – no egg hunts, no Easter meal at our house. We sure missed having you around.
Everywhere we go there are signs on lawns and in windows encouraging people not to give up and be strong. That’s the spirit! 
The streets are either amazingly empty (see photo of downtown Durham) or have extremely light traffic. It’s strange going through downtown Dover on a typically busy Friday or Saturday seeing hardly zero traffic or people.
The good news? There’s a lot of good news!
The most important thing to remember is that a lot of brilliant scientists and medical geniuses are working overtime to create a vaccine = a cure – for this pandemic. They will find a cure and get it done. Until then we’ll be smart, as patient as possible and support each other. We can get through this, I have no doubt.
The other thing to remember is how lucky we are. Your parents are getting paid and have money to put food on the table and pay the bills. No one has caught the virus; no one is sick. You have nice roofs over your heads and are safe and sound. Family is close by who love you and watch out for you.
These are epic advantages, not to be overlooked, or taken for granted. Let’s remember to be thankful, kind and compassionate. While it could be better, it could always be much worse!
Many people are going through especially hard times. Sharing a smile, listening and lending a helping hand means so much. A giant thank you to all the people on the front lines, especially the medical workers bravely going into work everyday helping sick people. They are the true heroes!
Be strong! We’ll get through this together and life will return to a new (but different) “normal.” Keep smiling, it’s the best medicine. Love you.
Congrats on graduating from 8th grade Emma!
