respect

            This damn virus is sure eating away at people. I know some folks who have hunkered down and will not so much as see another human being for fear of catching Covid-19. Heck, even our Prime Minister is saying “Christmas is out” this year. Then there are others who seem to throw caution to the wind and are carrying on as though it’s business as usual.
              I find both approaches to be extreme.
            Me? I’m doing what I’ve done since the beginning of this awful juncture: trying to be analytical. Trying to appreciate what’s truly going on, despite all the noise. It’s not always easy.
            First, let’s take a look at what’s not happening. Folks have been decrying the “new wave” of Covid-19. But c’mon: there is no new wave. There is only the same damn pandemic that has been here since February and that we were all being so diligent about shutting down. That is, until people got too complacent. And that’s why it’s come back to bite us even harder. As was predicted. But it’s not some new disease.
            I suppose hunkering down and avoid seeing anyone else will help ensure you don't catch the virus. But I guess I’m too much of a “people person” to observe that kind of harsh reaction. I value friends, family and acquaintances, and just can’t imagine cutting myself off and being a hermit, unless there is no other alternative. Still, no question, I’ll take the time to analyze what’s happening and, I hope, make wise decisions as a result.
          For instance, I and a friend and another couple of friends were invited to my neighbor’s the other day for a glass of wine. We all know each other. And we are aware that none of is testing positive. So we attended, sitting social-distance apart, and had a lovely evening. Interestingly, we did talk about the virus and our approaches to handling it, each of us agreeing that we certainly respect the seriousness of the virus itself, yet acknowledging we cannot simply give up living unless we absolutely have to. And so we make “informed decisions”, such as attending that evening. Each of us maintains social distance, each of us wears masks and gloves when shopping, each of us washes our hands regularly, each of us avoids going into places where there may be no safety net. And each of us has decided we will see those friends and family members who we are comfortable being with, not wishing to shut down our lives completely. I for one, cannot imagine a world where I can’t see people I like to spend time with, as long as I’m comfortable that the right protocols are being observed.
            Guess it all begins with respect. Respecting this disease for starters. Covid-19 is a pernicious, dangerous foe. It’ll pin you down if you don’t fight back. The other form of respect is the acceptance I have for other people’s point of view. Each of us deals with this situation in our own way. And while we may not always agree with – or like – what others are doing, it’s best to respect their need to work things through as they see fit.
              For me it’s pretty simple: I’m not going to give up seeing people. But I’ll be selective about who I see, and how I see them.
            Oh, one last thing (and this is going to be contentious for some of you). I’ve always made it a point to ask, “What’s the worst thing that can happen” when trying to  appraise a situation. And here, with Covid-19, I guess the worst that can happen is that you get the virus, it attacks you, and you die. Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m have no death wish, far from it. But if the fates decide my time is up, gotta tell you I’ve had a hell of a life, so I can’t complain. My goal is to live to be 110, but if Ole Man River (or whoever’s controlling things) decides that’s not in my future, so be it. I will go willingly into that good night.
            Just another form of respect, I guess.

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