Why I am doing this blog


As of March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a state of emergency because of how quickly COVID-19, aka the Coronavirus, was so rapidly permeating America. Because morons weren't taking this seriously, the Illinois governor, Pritzker, has set a shelter-in-place order, meaning that people cannot leave their homes except to get groceries, medicine, or for work that is considered "essential". We are allowed outside, but we must keep a distance of 6 feet from other people, and all gatherings of 10 or more people are banned. 

 This means, I can't sit at Panera Bread and have a cup of coffee. I can't take my wife bowling. I can't work in my office or talk to my clients unless I talk to them on the phone. I am a social worker, and I can't even work face-to-face with my own clients! 

 The worst of all, I can't even go to church. All services have been cancelled. Today was the first time in over 6 years that I have missed a church service. No matter what the weather is, no matter what if I am tired or don't even feel like it, I go to church. I don't feel whole without it. Many times, church was the only time and place where I could feel spiritual rest and rejuvenation. It is one of the few places where I get as much as I give. That's why all of this is so hard for me. That's why it's hard for me not to get emotional. Why did this have to happen during Lent? So much for my plans for Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday aka Easter Sunday.

 My clients, who can't even have visitors until this is over, have been able to more or less accept the new way of life, but they feel like prisoners. So do I. I guess I can't complain too much. Sure, I can't leave home without wearing a mask (which I made myself since the stores ran out), and I must wear latex gloves, wash my hands 50 times a day, and use hand sanitizer until my hands crack, but at least I am healthy. I read about the infestations around the world and on my very doorstep. China has had about 4,000 deaths, Italy, the "epicenter" of COVID-19, has had over 5,000 deaths, Spain has had about 2,000 deaths, and America has had 414 deaths, with 117 in New York and 9 in Illinois. So, I am blessed to be among the healthy.

 While I am downcast now, I am determined to not let this lockdown drive me crazy. I will do this by 3 ways: First, I will not allow myself to become too scared, though others would want me to be. While I won't take unnecessary risks, I will still make sure my clients are safe. I will keep myself busy. I will try to write a little something each day. I will honor the restrictions, but I will not give up hope. One day, this whole megillah will be the subject of casual conversation, where we will reflect on how badly things had gotten but how we survived. 

 Signing off.

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