CHAPTER ONE
In my lifetime there have been times when our economy was terrible. As an adult, I remember how difficult the struggle was after 9/11 for our family business. As a child, I remember times that my parents struggled with our family business – including a gas shortage. We bought gas on even or odd days, which sound simple but when you have a fleet of loaner cars for customers while you repair their cars it is difficult to navigate. I remember Mr. Mike who owned an Exxon station allowing us to sometimes get gas after hours so that Daddy could keep customers happy and keep working.
Never in my life do I remember not being able to purchase mounds of things in the grocery store. I guess that by osmosis (thanks, Mom) I have learned to be a planner. I’ve enjoyed meal planning since I left my job in December (which has certainly been helpful the past few days). We generally aren’t “out” of things at our house, other than staples like milk or bread (and we try not to run out of those). We are a blessed family.
There are so many things that flood our minds during times of crisis. For us, part of the adults in our family have to continue to go to work. My daughter-in-law works for a physician’s office. The docs have put many precautions in place, for which we are grateful. My husband works for MSC Industrial. Their company is considered essential, critical and life-saving per state and federal standards. I know what you’re thinking…..industrial supplies? Critical? Trust me, in the last twenty-four hours, I’ve seen the need.
I was the director of Room in the Inn for over ten years. I worry about our neighbors without housing. We sit in our homes and think about ways to stay busy and not go stir crazy. Any of them would love an opportunity to sit in a home and wonder what to do. The first thing they would likely do is sleep. Our bodies become exhausted and overwhelmed when they lack proper rest and trust me when I tell you that people experiencing homelessness never have enough rest. The best shelter in the world is still a shelter. Oh, we need them and are grateful for the ones that meet individuals where they are on their journey.
I worry about my colleagues (that I left behind) caring for Room in the Inn and (specifically) the AHOPE Day Center. Folks, if you ever want to see where the real work is happening AHOPE is a great place to witness it. You think you’re freaked out going to buy groceries and wondering who might have COVID-19? This staff sees close to 200 people each day! Their schedules have been changed, their lives have been adjusted to meet the needs of their clients. The term front line staff is real.
So, what can we do? Reach out, call someone, Facetime with them (I’ve been letting our grandson talk to his best friend this way). Bake some bread, make a pot of great smelling soup! Hunker down and allow this virus time to fade away. Enjoy time with your family and sort those pictures….you know, the ones in the box that you keep avoiding!!
Tomorrow…..Chapter 2….Adventures on our first day of home-schooling.
Nana Reflections 