Is someone filming this, because the sheer dystopia of the year 2020 may make for great horror film viewing generations from now…… not today. No one wants to relive last month let alone the past 6. It could be comical if it wasn’t tragic. The top infectious disease doctor, working on the pandemic, is playing ball (first pitch) while the fans and sports teams are hiding at home. In a shocking turn of event for us here in Jacksonville, the President concedes his HUGE rally-convention next week out of an abundance of caution. The elderly were living in homes for their safety and found it was dangerous. Children may be sent to school unprotected while parents are still working from home or sheltering in place. No one would believe the storyline. Instead of sports scores, we have infected and death tallies flashed on the screen. China is stealing but people are disowning American. Violence is increasing but politicians want to defund police. What the heck is going on?? On top of it all ….Although we may think “enough is enough”, COVID is not through with us.

No one understands fighting for physical wellbeing when your world tumbles like cancer patients. They are not terrified, bored, or even very challenged. As Maggie said, “Oh for God’s sake, I wear a mask, wash my hands and give less hugs, how hard is that?” When her hair started to fall out her husband shaved her head and bought a wig on line- no salons for Maggie. We can do this with simple attention to detail. No one “has” to be out so if you don’t want to wear a mask, stay home. Really it isn’t rocket science.

May I suggest that we also stop to appreciate that there is still so much that is right side up: being kind with each other, sending cards, a little gift, finding something special on line for a friend, relative or spouse, calming a co- worker, lending money to someone who lost their job; connection is still what is right. Being brave is as well. We don’t need to abdicate to the crazy. We can do, as long as we are careful and avoid those who are not.  Family gatherings are still a major issue even when everyone has been at home and careful. It’s as if the virus wants to party too. I know there is fatigue for this….. “Just this once, Doc. I am dying to see my grandkids”. I tell Cynthia, “I understand but lets not actually die seeing them”.  People understand staying home if they are sick, but staying home to stay well? Its another upside down concept.  I am dissuading colleagues from holding our medical meetings in person next year so that docs don’t infect each other- we must give example. Gatherings remain the biggest risk. So, work to keep your own world on even keel:  keep exercising- be strong in your body, Meditate- be strong in your mind. Send love- be strong in your heart. Be smart and guide others to do the same. Do not despair. Continue to have faith and hope. We are not abandoned. Our world may be different but we will stand strong once again.