The days since quarantine began have been quiet— not really much of a change from before as I am a retiree. Here in Montana, our covid cases have been low in comparison to almost everywhere else. Having two members at high risk, our family has taken the situation very seriously— being careful with everything from groceries to mail collection. When the pandemic arrived, our youngest daughter and her boyfriend drove to Montana to help us. Spending time with them is always wonderful— I am grateful for this time with them.

Aspects of my life that I miss most relate to the loss of freedom — I miss not being able to swim every morning and the ability go out to coffee shops for a visit with a friend. As an avid public library user, the inability to access materials also affected me.

Pre-pandemic, I would have said that I had an appreciation for people who hold everything together— postal workers, grocery store employees, medical staff, etc. This situation has made me see these people in a whole new light. I suppose I had never considered their jobs as heroic. (Here in Missoula at 8:00 pm people are encouraged to come outside and howl in appreciation of the bravery of these folks- a meager gesture when they are owed so much.)

The passage of time seems to have changed — if Alfred J. Prufrock were here he would be measuring his days in Covid briefings and Tiger King episodes instead of coffee spoons. For me, one day is much like another. My time is mostly spent reading, making an attempt at eating healthily, (unsuccessfully, alas) and keeping up with friendships- either through Zoom, email, or physical letters.

It is difficult coming to terms with the realization that the world I knew has significantly changed. I remember hearing my grandmother talk about about the changes in her life brought about by the influenza epidemic in 1918. I’ll try to learn as much as I can while undergoing this experience so I will have something to relate to my future grandchildren.

[submitted on 5/13/2020]