Because of the virus, we were still sheltered.  Erik said his family wanted to come over to my house that day.  I suggested they come for lunch and we would eat outside to maintain distance.  He commented that on Mother’s Day I was not supposed to prepare the lunch.  I responded, “But because it’s Mother’s Day, I should.”

I continue to try to guilt.

My next-door neighbor often plays music.  He sometimes has his front door open and it comes from inside.  Sometimes it is playing on his front porch.  At times he plays the guitar on the front porch and sings.  At times he is accompanied by friends.  I have listened to it for eight years, late at night and early in the morning.  It has not been a problem.  Lately, as we are sequestered in our homes, it has been a lovely diversion.

Keep it up.

While sheltered from the coronavirus, the gym was closed.  I started walking around my home.  One day I was walking on Lincoln and there were two people walking toward me.  They shifted and moved into the street, clearing leaving me the space on the sidewalk without us getting too close together.  As we walked by each other, I said, “Thank you.”  They responded, “You are welcome.”

Kindness and consideration during touch times.

There was some engagement initially as people acclimated to the pandemic: working from home, no school, avoiding people.  By the second week, most had settled into a degree and were adjusting to being together at home, declaring space and responsibilities.  Then the stores changed hours.  Then masks were required.  Gloves were advised.  Now the feelings were of irritation and annoyance.  Some anxiety began to surface.  By the sixth week, there was apathy and lethargy.  Initially, people entertained themselves at home by cleaning, watching Netflix, playing video games, and Zoom or Facetime with friends and family.  Now, most things were boring.

Interested in next week?

My kids rented a house by Russian River for the whole family to spend three days. It was a birthday gift for me. They arranged the meals. They brought games and movies to watch. There was a hot tub. We went to Armstrong Woods for a picnic and walk. We talked. I had the best time. I truly like all of them. I truly love all of them. As I left to drive home, Ari said, “See you here next year.”

I only wish.

While with a client, the doorbell rang.  A package had been left on the porch and the UPS delivery truck was leaving.  The address was correct.  The person it was sent to does not live in my home.  I returned it the next day to the UPS main facility in the area.  Two days later, the doorbell rang.  It was a client holding a box that had just been delivered.  Wrong name again.  This time I caught the truck and gave the box back. I found another one on my porch one day and took it to Target, the store from which all three packages came.  I asked them to research who the package was going to and find the right address.

I remain optimistic.