"It's a Beautiful Life"- Genevieve Galvan Frenes

Day 18 – I awoke today and didn’t turn on the television. And as for social media, I set that aside for most of the day as well.

I’m not sure why I didn’t wish to know the daily stats or next tragic story. I decided that I didn’t need to see it today.

Am I scared? Just a little.

I must admit, it seems a bleak view of our world as the days continue.

My days are now filled with walks with my husband, kids, and the dogs, just for a short trip outside within our neighborhood. Throughout the day, I’m either sewing more masks or cleaning more spaces in my house. We (my husband and I) began working on a Dodger puzzle (1000 pieces) and in only two days, we’re halfway done (it can be addicting once you start one of these puzzles). Reading is also part of the day along with writing my own work, but these two seem pushed aside when I can’t focus because of everything happening at the current time.

After making dinner, we clean up, and take our showers. I’ve become used to using what I had leftover from the day before (like extra chicken or meat) for the next day’s meal, so I don’t waste food. Tonight, I give the three puppies their baths. The puppies have been busy as well and must wonder why we have all sorts of time to spend with them. I can tell they love the attention.

The rosary has been our meditation during the evening (my husband is my partner for this nightly ritual) and for some reason, it brings me comfort soon before I get ready for bed. It calms me in a way I can’t explain.

Throughout today, I found myself really thinking about those who must be suffering. The ones who have no relative beside them or the ones caught off guard by just how sick they are. It saddens me that a person, regardless of their age, can endure such a difficult illness and not have a single person to hold their hand or say a few comforting words.

This is not to discount the work of the doctors and nurses. I’m sure they are doing the best they can, but as they are continually overworked and stressed about their own family unit, it’s understandable that doctors and nurses just can’t do it all. They are our heroes, but they are human. So human, that many of them are now sick themselves from this terrible virus.

It wasn’t until after dinner tonight that I looked at the news. It was my husband’s first glimpse of the news as well. The numbers in New York of the sick as well as the dead make me gasp. 900 officers test positive for the virus at this point. Then the U.S. numbers which have reached close to 150,000 (not sure on the exact total) make me really not want to leave my home.

I made my 19 year old give her two week notice at work (about a week ago), since her employer continues to still serve customers inside the location. Now, I want her to just leave and not look back. I tell her to wear her mask during her shift, regardless of the looks given. It might make a difference.

My eldest daughter, who works in law enforcement, has no choice but to work. Just like other jobs in our society like grocery clerks, fire fighters, and of course, medical personnel, these individuals must continue to serve and risk bringing this virus to their families, while we stay safe at home.

I just want my children safe.

I just want everyone safe.

These are my thoughts tonight. I know they speak of a reality which many of us are thinking, but might not say. I need to say what’s in my heart.

Stay blessed everyone…remember the good which still exists and channel positive energy in your day in any way you can.