The Coronavirus: Observations

These are truly some strange times. As of today, COVID-19 is now in 170 countries and the US is number three of all reported cases; with the "surge" still to come. There is anxiety in everything we say and do; this pandemic is that ubiquitous.  The past two weeks COVID-19 has taken over our lives.

People are fearful. People are starting to panic buy. I went to the commissary on Fort Bragg on March, 13. There was no chicken or rice and very little of everything else.  When I returned there yesterday there was no cooking oil or flour. Grocery stores are limiting anti-bacterial products, paper products (I haven't seen toilet paper on the shelves in a week and a half), and packages of chicken (when in stock).

People are really fearful. People are stocking up for the end times.  There is a gun store two miles from my house.  Every time I drive buy there, there are dozens of cars and trucks parked all over.  The other day there was a line to get in.  I have no desire to walk in there and gauge the crowd.

People are doing what is necessary. People are practicing social distancing. We talk to our neighbors but we do not get too close.  It is hard because everyone seems to be home and they all need to get outside lest they go stir crazy.  Our running group went out last Saturday but people took off in twos and threes. With all of the breweries and restaurants closed our Thirsty Thursday drinking club has disbanded, taking to people's backyards and sitting at six foot intervals.  

People are all filled up with no where to go. Gas prices have dramatically dropped.  Just prior to this crisis, Russia and Saudi Arabia got into a price war.  As a result gas dropped from a local price of $2.29 to about $2.00 and then $1.97 in some places.  How it is as low as $1.65.  With my Harris Teeter loyalty card, I cashed in my points and paid $1.33; a price I haven't seen in decades.  Oddly, now that gas is so cheap the corona virus has made everything off limits to drive to. Beaches are closed, national parks are closed, and local entertainment is closed!

People are learning that teaching is not easy. Our kids are willing to learn in spite of not being in school. At first North Carolina schools closed from March 16 to April 3.  Then this week, Governor Cooper closed all schools until May 15.  This is a huge impact on all of us as we try to occupy the boys with adequate math, English, science, social studies, and other activities. The boys can stick to a schedule. With a little prompting they can stay on task.  Sam is going to finish her junior year by taking classes remotely.  She is sequestered in her apartment with the basics. UNC Chapel Hill is effectively closed until further notice. The kids have taken all of these changes in stride. 

People remain faithful. Our church, the United Methodist Church in Fuquay has moved all services to a streaming feed.  The Praise Band is present but practices social distancing and the pastors keep the sermon succinct. The result is hundreds tune in from home to be a part of the church. Wonderfully, this is being repeated all over the country and all over the world.

People are strong. Our family is amazingly resilient. We are spending a lot of time together.  We are careful to not try to get under each other's skin. Parents intercede when necessary. Lisa and I move to different floors of the house if required.  All in all we are able to work, play, and enjoy one another. Thank goodness this house has love.

People hope for a swift end. Finally, there is an end to all of this. It is somewhere down the road. Maybe in May, later if necessary. We all know it is the light at the end of the tunnel. Until then we will, in the words of Bobby Blockus, "bunker down" until this passes.