Let's Keep Loving Each Other

[mrdreamjeans]

We love life, not because we are used to living, but because we are used to loving. - Nietzshe

Despite being homebound all week, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t busy. I work part-time as a Concierge in the 62+ Building where I live and filled in two days this week at the front desk. This past week has been a rollercoaster of changing information, processing the changes and reassuring my neighbors. Each person is reacting differently to news of the virus; but most are focusing on MN’s response to Covid-19, ignoring Washington unless Dr. Fauci is speaking. I’m trying to lead by example when it comes to social distancing in the building ... trying to maintain my equilibrium as the federal government blunders its way through the pandemic and Americans see strong, positive leadership from our governors. Here and there, during my “living”, I’m looking for examples of “loving” to inspire me:

• A neighbor’s wife is in a Memory Care unit. The nursing home, assisted living and other facilities across from my building have been locked down for a couple of weeks due to an epidemic of Norovirus. My neighbor hasn’t been able to see his wife during that time; staff is having her call him. Every day he drives across the street and delivers a card to the front desk for his wife. It is an example to me of a great love affair as was my parents’ marriage; he is devoted and it’s inspiring.


• A local business called The Rose shop delivered 4 dozen roses to our door on Friday. Gorgeous red, pink and peach in color, Baby’s Breath was included with this generous gift. It’s the second time this business has gifted us with flowers, helping us make our homes a little more beautiful, letting us know we’re not forgotten. It’s thoughtful, but also an example of good business. We will remember this shop long after the pandemic because of how they made us feel.

From The Rose Shop in NE Minneapolis.

• I went out today for groceries. To prepare, I wrote out a list in advance, so as to be in and out of the store quickly. Carts were being disinfected when I walked in. To be extra cautious, I wore powder-free vinyl gloves. I practiced the two-cart distance recommended on the signage as I entered the store. I did not see anyone sneezing or coughing anywhere in the store; but, I did see a grungy couple in their 20’s shopping in flannel pajamas and terry cloth robes, a rather odd choice. All they were missing were big, fluffy slippers. I found myself thanking the cashier in the grocery store for her service.


• After leaving the grocery store, I drove to a gas station and filled my tank. I kept the vinyl gloves on during pumping and carefully removed and tossed them when I returned home. There was no one around me at the station; I paid at the pump, appreciating the $1.99/gallon gas. I’ve been home from my Texas Christmas trip since January 3, 2020. In that time, I’ve put only 576 miles on my car. If this keeps up, I’ll be able to re-qualify for the low mileage discount at State Farm (7500 miles or less a year).


• My neighbor Geri and I do favors for each other all the time. She came to my rescue earlier this week knowing I was running low on toilet paper. Geri gifted me with two-nine roll packages of TP. She had stocked up prior to the run on Costco paper products. I am so appreciative for her thoughtfulness, so blessed to be living in a building where we do for each other all the time!

Life is getting smaller ... simpler ...more precious ...  I am making the choice to be happy as I adjust to our current reality. I’m looking for ways to be more self-sufficient, practicing more self-care. I am having fun teasing my neighbors that within a month, we’re going to know everyone’s real hair color and we’re all going to be much shaggier. My next purchase will be hair clippers, though I am threatening to dye my goatee teal, blue or pink just for grins!

We love life, not because we are used to living, but because we are used to loving. Let’s keep loving each other and practicing kindness during and after this pandemic is long gone.

Comments

[cjsmith]

I love reading your posts. They give me glimpses into a warmhearted life. Thank you.

[mrdreamjeans]

Thank you so much for your very kind words. I hope you are well amidst this time of physical distancing ... Big virtual hugs!

[cjsmith]

Physically well and emotionally surreal, as so many seem to be at the moment. Big virtual hugs back atcha!