Diary: Living with a pandemic 21 (Friday 3 April 2020)

Looking on the positive side. . .

We are fortunate to live where we do. As I read about what is going on around the world, and even across Canada I can count many things that show our lives could be very much worse.

1.      Although Covid-19 cases are still growing here, they are a relatively small number compared to our population and certainly compared to other parts of the country and the world. We know the peak may be yet to come, but the city and provincial authorities are competent and working hard to contain the virus as well as take care of those who unfortunately contract it. Our economy is taking a beating, but I am sure we will be able to ramp it up again once the virus has run its course.

2.      Our local grocery and drug stores keep stocked up although there always seems to be a few things that are in short supply. As pointed out the other day, stores are assisting shoppers in keeping their distance from one another and in keeping their premises clean and sanitized. There is no fear that we will all go hungry or not be able to get our pills.

3.      We have the Internet to keep ourselves in contact with our family and the world, even the bad news that comes across in emails and on websites. I can continue working on my hobby of genealogy and research information online for articles I have on the go for future publication. There are lots of websites full of data I can look at and online courses and webinars to participate in. I will even be giving a webinar myself in May.

4.      We have several streaming options, thanks to our daughter, which gives us access to TV programs and movies from many parts of the world. These sources are expanding their content these days so there should be lots of programs to choose from if we need to stay put for a long time.

5.      We have a large condo which gives us the space to be apart but still together. If we had to individually self-isolate, we do have two bedrooms with ensuites. When the sun finally comes out and the snow stops here, we will be able to enjoy the fresh air sitting on the patio. I read a column by Chris Selley in today’s newspaper in which he compared his small 500 sf apartment to other places he has lived and wondered how he might fare in Canada’s largest city if he had to stay within its walls for more than a few weeks. Many people, though, do not even have that. We don’t see our neighbours much expect to wave at them from a distance, but we know they would be there to help if we needed them.

6.      I can still take my dogs for walks around the neighbourhood. Many people do that here, so while we need to keep our distance, person-to-person and dog-to-dog, at least it gets us out of the house. It will be so much better when it warms up and spring really arrives, though.

7.      Our family in other parts of the country and the world are safe and well. That is very important to us.

8.      Most importantly we are healthy and safe.

Occasionally, or perhaps frequently, we need to deal with positive elements around us. Too much concentration on the dire aspects of the pandemic will only lead us to anxiety and despair. We recognize that it is very important to be careful in our connections with others. But we still have to stay in touch with friends and family.