2020 has already been a year that will go down in history, and it’s not even half over. We all would have laughed if we had been told on January 1st that we would soon see empty shelves at nearly every grocery store, news articles about people hoarding toilet paper, or a worldwide shortage of hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, N95 masks, and disinfectant spray.
Being unemployed for two months was not on my husband’s radar, nor did we expect to witness the government send billions of dollars through the mail to private citizens. When I offered to help my brother-in-law find a deep freezer, I was prepared to research the best brand and model, not to be told that there were literally none available on the market and likely would not be for months. And so much worse than all the inconveniences that our society has faced are the deaths that have resulted. While I only know of two friends who have tested positive for COVID-19, my heart break for those who have lost loved ones.
Here in Nashville, residents were still dealing with the fallout from the March 3rd tornado when the Coronavirus shutdown hit. Our city’s economy is fueled by the entertainment and health care industries, both of which are experiencing major setbacks. Two credible sources told us that one of the area’s leading hospitals is facing financial stress due to elective surgery cancellations, and no one knows how many months will pass before large concerts and conventions will resume.
But in the midst of all the upheaval, uncertainty, and heartbreak, there is still beauty to be found. I have especially enjoyed the extra time that I have been able to spend with my family, the opportunity to have long telephone or video conversations with friends and other loved ones, and the chance to work through house projects. It’s encouraging to see others getting out and enjoying nature, while still social distancing. Some of the smaller parks have been closed, but those with ample field space and wide trails have remained open.
So that brings me to my next discussion question: What beauty have you found in quarantine? What new things have you done? How has your routine changed for the better?
We can all list the things we miss and are eager to get back, but let’s take a moment to focus on the positive.
Regina Shea
This is a great topic Ellie! I’ve gotten back into sewing again and so( no pun intended!๐) have my daughters. We’ve been sewing masks and my middle made herself a skirt. I’m planning on working on my quilt top I started last year.
Because of quarantine I’ve also been binge watching sewing videos and practicing what I’m learning.
Anonymous
Having more time to cook and bake.
Regina Shea
Oh I forgot about that the cooking and baking! My girls and I learned to make several things from scratch which was one of my goals for the year anyway. It was ( and it still is!) fun looking through my cookbooks or online for new recipes.
Anonymous
Before I answer, I have to disagree with you on a few points.
First, we could have been told January 1st about what was ahead, but the administration mismanaged that. When “official” information did come out to the public, it was misleading or just plain wrong. I feel that cost us a lot of ground we could not make up later, and a lot of lives. I didn’t wait for government advice and used common sense to put self-restrictions in place early. After reports surfaced of when the government first knew, the finger pointing and the blame games began. This has been one of the biggest government messes I’ve ever witnessed, and I feel that citizens (voters) don’t deserve to be treated like this.
Second, I would never have laughed about shortages. I’ve seen it before. I know the merits of staying stocked up. Look at what Mormons practice.
Third, the stimulus was not a bad thing at the time (if that’s what you’re saying), although a drop in the bucket for most people’s needs. We didn’t get a penny – our 2019 tax return amount made us ineligible. Instead, we watched 2 years’ worth of what we were going to use for income evaporate in 2 months from our investment accounts (and falling). We can’t do anything about that now but be glad we weren’t invested any riskier, and watch our discretionary spending. We did not dump stock beforehand the way some in DC did. We’re on our own with no financial help. We’re not getting stimulus, unemployment, or a return to work. We’re not even drawing Social Security. It seems odd that having $0 W-2 wages this year didn’t qualify us for a stimulus check, and that what happened last year (a good year) determined whether or not we’d get a check right now. We’re probably not the only ones who fell through that technical crack. Even though our accounts are dwindling, our bills are not. In fact, our health insurance recently went up to $2700 a month.
As far as “beauty” in all this, I’m not sure that’s the term I’d use, but we’re thankful that our family isn’t sick for starters. It’s getting harder to keep it that way with things reopening, people re-gathering, and people refusing to wear masks. We should be well beyond the time to debate their merits. Your husband knows the worth of a good mask, and that some mask is better than no mask. He and his staff would not work without one, I’m sure. I hope you’re not leaving home without one either.
My routine has not changed too much. We were a retired household before this and homebodies by choice anyway. We will not travel again until a vaccine and herd immunity have been achieved. I’ve had to get up at 5am to shop during senior hours, which has been hard on my body and has made me over-tired on those days. We had to have a repairman at the house, which was uncomfortable in ways it never was before. We went to the outdoor graveside funeral for a friend, a service that was “by invitation only,” with a handful of mourners standing 10 feet apart in the rain. No visitation, no church service that would have otherwise been packed for this person. Not even any hugs. That was so sad for the family of the deceased.
Bottom line – I’m thankful that our eyes open in our own beds each morning and that we feel OK. I’m not seeing all this “connect with nature” and “connect with family” as permanent things for most people once this danger is over. I think it’s a normal reaction now but probably not sustainable as people go back to old habits and routines. Remember how fast the feeling of “we’re all in this together” faded after 9/11. It’ll fade again. My 2 cents. Interesting post.
Penny
I like your response.
HLB
If by โthe administrationโ you mean the WHO, I heartily agree. They stated there was no evidence of human to human transmission on January 14! So yes, the world and government leaders were grossly mislead by the WHO…
Anon
And what many people donโt realize is that โelectiveโ procedures are rarely truly optional. Elective just means they donโt have to be done ASAP. So many people are postponing surgeries they do need.
I trimmed the edges of my hair, too scared to give myself an actual cut. Iโve been doing my own eyebrows, but I canโt wait to go back to an expert for that!
Anonymous
I worry about the healthcare fallout too, and how many people have had to delay basic care and routine appointments. Our eye and dental appointments were canceled. Our specialists for other health needs are only seeing patients on an urgent or emergency basis. I really don’t want my problems to get to that point. I wonder what delaying screenings is going to do down the line for ourselves and others. I also worry about what the Covid survivors are facing as far as wrecked organs or other permanent health changes. Just because you survive doesn’t mean you’re good as new. God help those who are facing this first-hand.
Anonymous
@Anon Fortunately I’m low maintenance with natural hair color, a style I can trim myself, and natural nails. I’ve saved a bunch not going to the salon. My more high maintenance friends have been struggling.
Anonymous
Iโve worked more than ever, very thankful For that! I didnโt realize there was a toilet shortage though
Lizzy
Beauty can always be found in the name of Jesus!
Ellie
Amen, Lizzy!
Regina Shea
Double Amen Lizzy!
Grace
The morning walks at daybreak are glorious and something I never got to enjoy while working. I have driven by areas for several years and never noticed the wonderful parks tucked into neighborhoods where I could bring a picnic or the flowers in yards. It gives me a quiet time to pray as I climb the slight hills around my home. Who knew what a workout one could get and it shows on the scales and each day they seem easier to climb. I praise God for the good things that have come out of it.
I find coins when walking, which I put in
a jar.
I have found credit cards which I was able to return to the owners.
A small amount of cash tucked into my jeans allows me to stop by the market for a few items we need, before my regular shopping trip. I see other regular walkers and joggers and we speak.
Being out early I see things that need to be reported, like a ‘speed hump’ sign that got plowed down and is laying in the street, a cable companies box that is open and the cable is exposed and a street light that is out. I wouldn’t have found time if I was working.
One day I noticed the neighbors white iris. They offered to give me bulbs in the fall.
Elizabeth
We are fortunate my husbands job has allowed him to work from home.. it has been so wonderful to have uninterrupted family time as we have a newborn and a toddler.
We are blessed to be able to be locked down – Iโm actually less worried about germs around my newborn because I donโt have to stress about visitors ( or have a spotless house) itโs been good.
Regina Shea
Congratulations Elizabeth on the birth of your newborn!
anon
the one beauty i’ve seen has been the number of birds coming to my yard! the blackbirds (or ravens, cant see good enough to tell), the bluejays, egrets and herons have been prolific here and even the woodpeckers and cardinals have shown up from time to time. i love birdsong so this has been great for the birds. (i’m not being flippant, i mean they really are some happy birds)
or it could be that there is considerably less traffic so you can hear them better, idk, but they sure have been giving my dog paws, i mean pause, lol! she just stands and watches them and when they fly away from their spot, she goes to it to sniff it out and then sits and looks for them up in the tree
Anonymous
I love ravens! They are my favorite type of bird. They are as smart as a 7-year-old child.
Anonymous
Not much has change. My hubby and I are retired, I enjoy being indoors and spending time with him. I’ve been reading and doing crossword puzzles which I enjoy. I did handwash my car the other day which I haven’t done in a few years. I was happy how nice it look, so I might do that more often.
Tina
I really am not sure about what to write down. 4 days ago I broke up with my boyfriend. I feel unhappy but I really felt like he doesn’t really care about me and he never makes time to be with me. So I guess it’s for the best. Although I did love him
Ellie
I am so sorry to hear that, Tina! ๐ Praying for peace and clarity during this difficult time.
Tina
Thank you Ellie
SwissGirl
In Europe (we live in Switzerland), the lockdown started on march 16th.
Our daughter was born on march 11th, we found ourselves โlocked inโ immediately after being back home from hospital…wow… We didnโt want to find our the gender before birth (and only had a few boy clothes at home from her brother…) and we didnโt know, how tiny she would be – and we didnโt expect a total lockdown so fast. So we were letโs say not well prepared talking clothes for the little princess…
We did experience so much support from our friends and community, they were bringing us premie clothes washed and sanitized right to our door, doing the grocery shopping for us,… We didnโt have to tell friends and family to stay outside our house and not to touch the newborn without washed hands – it was evident for everyone. (And we have to say, this was also bittersweet bc. the closest family and friends also had to wait to meet our precious girl in person…)
The โbest partโ was, that our family of now 4 had plenty of time together and was able to get to know our newest member.
Regina Shea
Another thing I noticed that I forgot to mention is with people wearing masks here I noticed their eyes and so many people had the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. And the variety fabric used was interesting too. I made mine from leftover teapot print from an apron I made due to my absolute love of all things tea!
Anonymous
Less wear and tear on cars. I’ve used one tank of gas total since February. With a supermarket promotion, I paid $1.44 a gallon for 93 octane at last top-off. Had I not needed 93 octane for that vehicle, it would have been about $1 a gallon. I don’t remember prices that low since the early 1980’s. While good for consumers, you can’t help but think of how many people in the US oil industry are hurting.
Bridget
More time to spend with my family. I’m not as busy as before, and I can spend quality time with them.
Another thing is being able to find beauty in the Bible. There are so many texts in there that are a comfort to us knowing that God is still caring for us even in the midst of this pandemic. That has given me comfort, knowing that this will not last forever, because God’s mercies are new every morning.
anon
i have terrible teeth, broken etc. and no way to fix them. wearing a mask helps we feel better when talking to someone in public so in a funny way, you can say there is ‘beauty’ in that! i dont worry about people noticing my teeth lol
Anonymous
If this is an ongoing problem, find a free dental clinic in your area. Teeth impact your overall health, not just how your mouth looks.
Anonymous
I listen to the stories of the deceased, the families who are hurting unimaginably, and find no comforting words anywhere. There is no logic as to why so many innocent people are dying. It’s cruel.
Anonymous
I agree with you. I’ve cried more in past three months than I have in my entire 30 years of life and I’ve dealt with some pretty difficult personal circumstances in the past. Forty million people are out of work, 100,000 Americans are dead, 6.1 million people around the world have been infected, and the U.S. is literally on fire from the protests. I haven’t seen my friends and extended family since February and don’t know when I’ll be seeing them again. That’s why I get annoyed when people talk about how much they are enjoying staying at home and learning how to make bread.
Marni
While it is not easy in many ways, (my husband is in the medical field so now when he comes home, no one runs up to him or gets close until he returns downstairs in other clothes) and I feared greatly for him when Covid first really started, there have been benefits. I see nature more than I ever did, going for lots of walks, we are prob closer as a family, together as a unit, watching livestream church together, and being each others’ companions. Thankfully in our area in Canada, restrictions happened early and people have been good in following distancing regulations. We are relaunching now with less cases and have only had over a hundred or so deaths (most long term care or related to large meat plants). I am thankful that so far my husband was spared to not be in a situation like the healthcare workers in New York, or Italy. God is there and wants people to draw to him and find their peace in him!
Marleen
Going to favorite restaurants with friends, getting our order as take out and having a tailgate party in the parking lot with friends.
Zoom to have a gathering with family or friends at Easter, or to see neices and nephews, using teledoc, on line grocery shopping….reading more, listening to more music, lots of museums are offering free in-depth video tours….the Met in NY is sharing a past performance every night, Facetime with friends across the country for a virtual dinner party after deciding on a recipe to make and a movie from Netflix that ties in .
Anonymous
How are you meeting with friends if you are supposed to be socially distancing? Did you wear masks?
Ellyn
While quarantining and social distancing have been hard, I have greatly, greatly enjoyed having my husband home with us every day. He is still working full time (from home) but I absolutely love having him here every day. I wish he could work from home forever! ๐
CJOHN
I am more grateful for getting out to walk the dogs with the fresh air. I have prayed more for others, our country, and our world. I’m ready for this to end, but I’m grateful for health and my job. Thank you for your blogs. I’ve enjoyed reading them too.