When asked about her low during their virtual social skills class last week, one of Heidi's students answered, "Being nice."
"Being nice to who?" Heidi questioned. "Your family?"
"Yeah," the little girl sighed.
Her mom, who was sitting at her side, laughed ruefully. "It's been a bit of a challenge," she confirmed.
And of course, they aren't alone. Everywhere you look there are tales and tips of how to survive quarantine with your nearest and dearest without going crazy.
Here at our home, the situation has been quite pleasant, although our cats and dog may disagree. Heidi and are getting along just fine, but after 2 weeks of our undivided attention, our pets may be ready for a break, Lucy especially. That dog must be walking at least 10 miles a day when you add up the morning walk I take her on, the midday walk we all go on, and the early evening walk Heidi takes with a few neighbors and their dogs.
Some of our neighbors seem a little lax on the social distancing. Nobody wants to get sick or infect others, but everyone is creating their own playbook based on personal ideas of acceptable risk.
For example, yesterday afternoon we were returning from a 5 mile stroll through the neighborhood when we crossed paths with 3 women piling out of a car loaded with plants. Together, they had been to a local garden shop-- no social distancing possible on that ride. But we knew that the three of them each live alone, and such a break from complete isolation must seem more than acceptable.
I guess in a time when everyone is struggling, but not with exactly the same issues, the only remedy is empathy.
"Being nice to who?" Heidi questioned. "Your family?"
"Yeah," the little girl sighed.
Her mom, who was sitting at her side, laughed ruefully. "It's been a bit of a challenge," she confirmed.
And of course, they aren't alone. Everywhere you look there are tales and tips of how to survive quarantine with your nearest and dearest without going crazy.
Here at our home, the situation has been quite pleasant, although our cats and dog may disagree. Heidi and are getting along just fine, but after 2 weeks of our undivided attention, our pets may be ready for a break, Lucy especially. That dog must be walking at least 10 miles a day when you add up the morning walk I take her on, the midday walk we all go on, and the early evening walk Heidi takes with a few neighbors and their dogs.
Some of our neighbors seem a little lax on the social distancing. Nobody wants to get sick or infect others, but everyone is creating their own playbook based on personal ideas of acceptable risk.
For example, yesterday afternoon we were returning from a 5 mile stroll through the neighborhood when we crossed paths with 3 women piling out of a car loaded with plants. Together, they had been to a local garden shop-- no social distancing possible on that ride. But we knew that the three of them each live alone, and such a break from complete isolation must seem more than acceptable.
I guess in a time when everyone is struggling, but not with exactly the same issues, the only remedy is empathy.
It is a thought time for everyone. Empathy is needed all around.
ReplyDeleteLucky you that you have a dog for companionship on walks.
This time is really interesting. My two adult sons live in my house. Neither has an "essential" job so they are both here right now, all the time. Sometimes I go walk the dog, just to have some space and some quiet. But then I'm blown away by the groups of people sitting together, in close proximity, having happy hour, etc. And the teenagers out on the basketball court. It's hard to do this time well...
ReplyDeleteMy favorite line comes at the end: "the only remedy is empathy." You create such images from the conversation side-by-side to the three walks per day to the clown car of neighbors. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWait, empathy instead of angry posts on a neighborhood discussion board? Your post sounds about right. :)
ReplyDeleteThere are so many elements of this post - but I'm drawn to the part about your student and being nice to family. I think that is where I'm going to struggle as well. :(
ReplyDeleteI am happy for some glimpses of the world 'out there', beyond the 'in here.' People going it alone right now receive all my empathy, no questions asked.
ReplyDelete