Among Friends

[Shanus]

Of course, I wasn't in Europe during WWII. I've read all too much about it and seen enough movies to give me nightmares. As I find myself unable to go out freely, get the food and paper goods I need, see stretchers of the sick and dying being carried, makeshift morgues and hearing constantly about the chaos that is now, I DO feel much like we're at war...not against another country, but against an unbeatable virus. 

Will anyone in my family be next? Friends? In the future, will I ever feel comfortable walking close to someone, hugging them, trusting that no one has something contagious? Will my children and grandchildren be emotionally affected in a way they cannot overcome? Will the familiar faces of shop and restaurant owners in my small community ever be back to greet? Cities in general become reborn and rebuilt?

Most of us may be thinking this. We try not to let our minds go to this place, but at times we weaken when we're tired, just can no longer be joyful to bolster the mood of a friend when we sorely need that positivity ourselves.

I'm wishing all of us the strength to look to the future and think about how it feels to not be worried or distanced from others. Keep love and hope in our hearts and kindness and love for others, as well.

Shanus

[Mary Bailey]

@Shanus 

well said    I totally agree

[Mz iMac]

On a lighter side.....

As a 50's baby, I thought WWII was fought in black & white.

[roxxy1]

I sit here crying and afraid.

[Vivian]

My mother is almost 98 years old and mentally sharp. She said in some ways the pandemic feels worse than WW2. She explained that FDR was such a strong leader during the war that he really helped people get through those very worrisome times. She was only around 19 when the war began so she said she's not sure if she was mature enough to take it all in but people did unite and support each other back then. Poliical opinions did vary but for the most part most Americans were devoted to the cause. They sacrificed because it was required. I just hope we have the resilience of The Greatest Generation.

[Shanus]

---

@roxxy1 wrote:

I sit here crying and afraid.

---

@roxxy1   I do, too, but only sometimes.

[I am still oxox]

Trying to keep the most positive attitude I can crying  is not getting me anywhere, this is not for ever it is only temporary

[ItsME]

@Shanus I think you have expressed eloquently what many are feeling.  It took almost no time at all for me to cringe when I see people close together in tv shows or movies.  And I wonder how long it will take to get back to what was always normal.  I wonder if I have a stronger reaction because my health is severely compromised and I'm terrified of catching the virus, or if everyone feels this way.  The best we can do is take it one day at a time, and hope we stay out of harm's way.

stay safe.  This will pass.

[Mary Bailey]

it's only temporary for those that survive it.

[Shanus]

@Vivian   DH's parents were older than mine by almost 20 yrs. His Dad told stories of standing in line for soup and a slice of bread and bringing home a large can of tuna he was paid in trade for his work as an engineer. He, DH's mom and sister (hubby wasn't born yet) would share the large can of tuna and a baked potato for dinner. I listened w/ amazement and was thankful I didn't have to live through times when people had to fight for jobs and food.

Well, here I am. I AM grateful that so far I have what I need and enough to share with my neighbors if they call, but I'm angry at those who are hoarding and will make it difficult for each family to have an equal amount of supplies. At least at our stores, new supplies of foods, canned and fresh produce are arriving daily (except TP) & there's no need to fill carts with 3 twelve roll packs of paper towels leaving the shelves empty as others stood by watching and  needing. This "thing" is bringing the best out in some people and unfortunately showing the true colors of others.