This kinda goes to the "mental health" aspect of this pandemic. I have a lot of single friends and older friends (hovering around 80 yo) that I maintain contact with either by phone or text messaging. All was going well this summer. Lots of interactions and laughing. A few grumblings from the "old white guys" who watch too much TV and fall for Every Culture War tirade. Anyway, contact is contact.
The Wildfires hit on Labor Day....add to Social Distancing Restriction indoors due to poor air quality. Also my peeps down south started storm watch. Contact came to an abrupt halt. I felt it too as I coughed about the house for two weeks. Having a hard time contacting folks now trying to reestablish a connection.
Is anyone else experiencing this too? Could it be:
Fall approaching and the weather will deteriorate?
Election approaching and the stresses of media deluge?
The gradual realization that nothing will "change" until a vaccine is widely circulated?....like, 8 more months of this stuff.
Another thing I have noticed. Married folks and people who cohabitate have someone to talk to and that's helpful for the most part. But most forget about their single friends / family living alone. At least that's been my experience with my married friends. Just a simple text or funny GIF is all that's needed.
My mother will celebrate 85 years this Wednesday and her Retirement Community is still in lockdown. A card and some flowers will have to do. I cannot talk to her by phone as her hearing aids are not compatible with the telephone. (her perception) We email weekly but I haven't seen her since July 4th. Birthdays are important in our family as we all gather to celebrate with a meal and a lopsided cake. (an inadvertent tradition) Last time we gathered was my birthday in March.
Anyway, onward.....always trying to make the best of situations I have no control over. Give a thought today to a friend / family member living alone and reach out. You Both will benefit.
