Thoughts in isolation

Is it really true we are approaching our seventh week in isolation?

From a crisis that created so much concern about global health and effects of the novel coronavirus on health systems, the discussions have shifted from adequate supply of toilet paper to job cuts and welfare payments, to mental health.

We have altered our ways of living, to eating more homecooked meals, producing our own vegetables, timing our exercise, going on virtual drinks, binge-watching shows, finding ways to express and grow our faith in isolation, giving time for keeping relationships via digital means – and just really having a lot of time to consider a myriad of activities.

There have been more quizzes on social media, old memories shared, throwback photos posted. Suddenly I know more about people through virtual sharing, and friendships are being created, even through iso.

My five-member family has been living in contained dwelling for a while now and has breathed the same air and sat down at the same table enjoying our lunches and dinners (and the snacks that come in between).

We’ve watched shows together, and done things separately too, like right now with our individual preoccupations, but in the same space. Good news, we haven’t yet killed each other, but, I’d like to believe, have perhaps even grown fonder of each other.

This morning as we heard Mass, I looked at my children squeezed together on the couch, and know we will always reminisce back to this time.

So here we are, approaching our seventh week. We’re still here, yeah I know some of us are already feeling the strain of these not so normal times.

But we are stronger in this shared experience. As we flatten the curve there is an excitement bubbling under the surface that we will emerge out of this one day soon! Can you feel it?

I’ll be seeing ya!