Love in the time of Covid

On Sunday, The Village Church in Hapeville, GA, had an outdoor service in their parking lot, and Deziree drove me so that I could attend.  Everyone wore masks and socially distanced. About 20 people attended.  It was so emotional to be in the presence of people.  They played music, the pastor (ray) shared some thoughts, and we had communion together and yet separate. It was so emotional. But I was able to relax and feel good for a little while. No anxiety for the duration of the service.  They live-streamed it also, so I can go back and watch it again if I want.

My sister-in-law fell and broke her leg and had to have surgery today.  That is going to put her out of work for 3 months.  But she will be fine and is very healthy and will bounce back quickly.

David’s Aunt Kathy is having blood pressure and heart problems. She is in her late 70’s, has always been very healthy. She will be going to Stanford to be checked out.  Hopefully all will be well.

David’s cousin is home recuperating from a burst appendix that almost cost him his life.  But he didn’t die. He’s young (40’s), strong, and will be all right.

My niece is 15 and having mental health problems and my brother is at a loss trying to navigate the mental health system. I’m praying she gets the help she needs, but it’s not looking good.  I pray she will be okay. He is trying to get her into a psychiatrist but Covid is making it even harder.

JP and I are having some growing pains. That’s fine.  I’m learning to let go. I’m so worried about them, though.  But that’s my problem. He’s going to do what he’s going to do.

I’m learning to let go of the past.  It’s over. It happened. I’m sad. Sometimes horrified. Forgiving myself. It’s not anyone’s job to make me feel okay about it. I don’t feel okay about it.  I keep going.

My husband is dealing with workers whose family have died of Covid recently.  It’s scary. It’s hard. I cannot help him. Home is more stressful for him than work.

Another friend ended up in the emergency room with A Fib.

I think the stress of the world is bringing out other health issues for a lot of people.

This week in my town I witnessed someone being harassed for wearing a mask and in a separate incident someone being harassed for not wearing a mask. In two different grocery stores.  One lady cried.  I wish people would stop shouting at strangers.

Locals are stealing signs from each others yards, flipping each other off, and in general being mean to each other.

Everyone is on edge.

And in the middle of it all, a small group of people met in a parking lot in Atlanta and listened to musicians, talked about loving one another and how much they missed being together, and how frightened and anxious they were. But were happy to be together briefly and temporarily before going back to their homes and wonder when it will happen again.  And I got to witness and be a part of that. And for a little while, I felt a bit of hope.