You know, when I hear other stories I feel extremely fortunate. I've always been something of a hermit so I don't really miss a social life I've never wanted. I have a nice backyard with my chickens and a house big enough that I never feel claustrophobic. I've got a cellphone and a computer and Zoom to keep me in touch with my friends, you guys, my gardening club and my book club.
My husband's employment hasn't been interrupted but he now works at home at least 2 days a week so I see more of him than ever. He's in this big 300 strong bubble at work. They all really make an effort to have insulated lives for the sake of one another and one another's jobs. So we live in a world that's much like it always was and we do what we need to do carefully and thoughtfully. And as long as we do things with other people who are thoughtful and careful it works and we feel safe.
As I said once before, in my husband's bubble they test constantly. In the last 3 months they've had, now, 4 cases caught at the earliest opportunity. No one has transmitted the virus within the bubble. They've closed down sections when they've had to but they keep working. And the units that get shut down, get paid to stop the spread. They've still just had 1 hospitalization. He's still recovering, but he will! At least 1 other (my husband's pregnant close associate) has tested negative several times and is back at work.
My daughter who's an ICU nurse dealing with the very sickest Covid patients day in and day out has been at it for very close to a year. She gets tired -- mentally and physically -- but she hasn't had so much as a scare because they have protective regimens and practice them scrupulously.
My son is still working with my husband. My other daughter and her SO have both been unemployed/furloughed since the start of the shutdowns but they manage the resources they have. They've paid their rent right along so they're not worried about a huge deferred rent bill or eviction now that the grace period is coming to a close. They won't get the supplemental funds anymore when they expire but they'll continue to get regular unemployment benefits. If they eventually need help at least we'll only have one household to support and we can manage that while we have to.
We'll hope the coming vaccines mean a sensible return to "normal".
I know my life is blessed. But I also know that, although we can't forget about it and have to make accommodations, we can live with this virus and we can stay healthy. At least in an area like ours that stays informed, accepts reality and understands that we are our brothers' keepers.
I know what I'll be thankful for this week, next week and all the weeks thereafter. I wish it for ALL of you.