Coronavirus and COVID-19

Coronavirus by CDC.gov

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has changed the way people live, work, love and mourn across the planet.

I've been working from home since March 12, the company response began March 11, but I had to go into the office to pick up my work laptop.

COVID-19, stay-at-home orders and social distancing are the buzzwords. People wearing masks when out in public is a part of this new dystopian landscape.

For me, personally, I miss seeing friends and coworkers. I miss my scrapbooking and writer pals. And I miss the simple joy of being outside and not feeling like I'm putting my life in jeopardy by doing so.

My heart breaks for the thousands of people who have died of this pestilence and for their families who are unable to see them or mourn in the traditional ways.

There are bright moments-- neighborhoods where kids play their instruments on the lawns, healthcare workers doing stay-at-home dances, and seeing how communities around the globe have come together to exercise on balconies, get married with a clergyman yelling out of a window to the couple below. For each of those flashes of joy and resiliency, there are videos of doctors, nurses and healthcare workers in the hardest hit cities breaking down with stress and lack of PPE (personal protective equipment), and lack of staff because their coworkers have COVID-19.

This, too, shall pass. Living through it is hell. We have hope though. Researchers around the world are working with one goal: find a cure or vaccine. It will take time, but it will come.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Wash your hands. Wear a mask if outside. Be blessed.