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| How the Coronavirus Has Disrupted My Life | How the Coronavirus Has Disrupted My Life |
| (1 day later) | |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| I am a medical student in California and the mother of three children. Reflecting on the past week gives me whiplash. I am writing this on Wednesday. One week ago, I sat in a large lecture hall while my children were in school. Five days ago, schools were canceled for two weeks. | I am a medical student in California and the mother of three children. Reflecting on the past week gives me whiplash. I am writing this on Wednesday. One week ago, I sat in a large lecture hall while my children were in school. Five days ago, schools were canceled for two weeks. |
| Three days ago, as I set up a movie for my kids so I could work on an assignment, I told myself I could manage this for a month. As recently as 24 hours ago, I still thought my daughters would eventually be able to finish first and third grades — now, it seems they may not. | Three days ago, as I set up a movie for my kids so I could work on an assignment, I told myself I could manage this for a month. As recently as 24 hours ago, I still thought my daughters would eventually be able to finish first and third grades — now, it seems they may not. |
| My emotions are wide-ranging and paradoxical: gratitude that my children are healthy, frustration that all of our educations will suffer, fear for my spouse’s job that supports us, envy of my classmates who have time to volunteer while I am homebound. | My emotions are wide-ranging and paradoxical: gratitude that my children are healthy, frustration that all of our educations will suffer, fear for my spouse’s job that supports us, envy of my classmates who have time to volunteer while I am homebound. |
| I hope — for my family, for this country, for our global community — that a silver lining of this pandemic will be a rebirth of collectivism. How else will we get through? | I hope — for my family, for this country, for our global community — that a silver lining of this pandemic will be a rebirth of collectivism. How else will we get through? |
| Fiona MillerSan Francisco | Fiona MillerSan Francisco |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| My 97-year-old father, who still drives and lives in his own apartment, comes to dinner at our house at least four times a week. On Monday, for the first time, I disinvited him. I had been watching the news when a list of “don’ts” reminded me that the elderly should remain in their homes. “Daddy,” I began in a phone call I did not want to make, “I don’t think you should come tonight.” He said he understood. | My 97-year-old father, who still drives and lives in his own apartment, comes to dinner at our house at least four times a week. On Monday, for the first time, I disinvited him. I had been watching the news when a list of “don’ts” reminded me that the elderly should remain in their homes. “Daddy,” I began in a phone call I did not want to make, “I don’t think you should come tonight.” He said he understood. |
| When I hung up, I agonized. Did he understand the fear I felt for him; for my husband, who is 77 and has Parkinson’s and asthma; indeed, for myself, at 65, sleeping with a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? I went to bed, no answers forthcoming. It felt as if, until this pandemic ends, my father, who does not use technology, and I would not see each other. | When I hung up, I agonized. Did he understand the fear I felt for him; for my husband, who is 77 and has Parkinson’s and asthma; indeed, for myself, at 65, sleeping with a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? I went to bed, no answers forthcoming. It felt as if, until this pandemic ends, my father, who does not use technology, and I would not see each other. |
| I awoke the next morning still agonizing, but determined to creatively find ways, beyond the phone, to stay in touch. | I awoke the next morning still agonizing, but determined to creatively find ways, beyond the phone, to stay in touch. |
| Beverly Butler FaragassoThe Villages, Fla. | Beverly Butler FaragassoThe Villages, Fla. |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| Before I go to bed every night, I typically enjoy a chapter of the book I am reading or an episode of some TV series. Last night, however, I listened to an episode of my favorite podcast: “The Daily.” The last time I cried myself to sleep was probably when my mom told me I couldn’t have the dessert I wanted, but this time was clearly different. “People are dying alone.” Hearing an Italian doctor speak of his experiences was heartbreaking. | Before I go to bed every night, I typically enjoy a chapter of the book I am reading or an episode of some TV series. Last night, however, I listened to an episode of my favorite podcast: “The Daily.” The last time I cried myself to sleep was probably when my mom told me I couldn’t have the dessert I wanted, but this time was clearly different. “People are dying alone.” Hearing an Italian doctor speak of his experiences was heartbreaking. |
| At 17, I feel so incredibly lucky to live in a safe apartment with a family and a roof over my head, and I want nothing more than to be with those who are being forced into lonesome isolation right now. My prayers go out to them. | At 17, I feel so incredibly lucky to live in a safe apartment with a family and a roof over my head, and I want nothing more than to be with those who are being forced into lonesome isolation right now. My prayers go out to them. |
| Peace and love to those who are suffering. | Peace and love to those who are suffering. |
| Ella TragerNew York | Ella TragerNew York |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| The coronavirus has disrupted my life like a California wildfire. I am a public school substitute teacher. Since the schools are closed, I cannot teach. If I can’t teach, I don’t get paid. If I don’t get paid, I can’t pay my bills or buy food and other necessities. | The coronavirus has disrupted my life like a California wildfire. I am a public school substitute teacher. Since the schools are closed, I cannot teach. If I can’t teach, I don’t get paid. If I don’t get paid, I can’t pay my bills or buy food and other necessities. |
| Because of the coronavirus, two of the most endearing institutions in my life are also closed: the library and the church. I am a writer. Since the library is closed, I can’t check out books, consult with library staff or use the internet. Without the church, I can’t enjoy fellowship with other congregants, listen to heavenly spiritual music or hear the preacher preach. | Because of the coronavirus, two of the most endearing institutions in my life are also closed: the library and the church. I am a writer. Since the library is closed, I can’t check out books, consult with library staff or use the internet. Without the church, I can’t enjoy fellowship with other congregants, listen to heavenly spiritual music or hear the preacher preach. |
| I cope by asking friends and family for financial assistance and using the last of my money to buy food. | I cope by asking friends and family for financial assistance and using the last of my money to buy food. |
| Kathryn L. HarrisWashington | Kathryn L. HarrisWashington |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| My 93-year-old mother, who has Alzheimer’s, is on hospice care in a nursing home that is closed to visitors. The staff members keep me updated and have assured me that I can be with her if she is close to death. I know that my mother is well cared for. I have spent a lot of time with her over the past few years as she has lost her cognitive and bodily functions. I have said all that needs to be said and done all that I can do. I have taken care of her. If she dies now, and I am not there, well, I have to be OK with that. I have no regrets. | My 93-year-old mother, who has Alzheimer’s, is on hospice care in a nursing home that is closed to visitors. The staff members keep me updated and have assured me that I can be with her if she is close to death. I know that my mother is well cared for. I have spent a lot of time with her over the past few years as she has lost her cognitive and bodily functions. I have said all that needs to be said and done all that I can do. I have taken care of her. If she dies now, and I am not there, well, I have to be OK with that. I have no regrets. |
| What regrets do you have? If you’re waiting for the perfect time to say “I love you” or “I’m sorry” or “how can I help?,” that time is now. Life gets disrupted and you may not have another chance. | What regrets do you have? If you’re waiting for the perfect time to say “I love you” or “I’m sorry” or “how can I help?,” that time is now. Life gets disrupted and you may not have another chance. |
| Kathleen ThiesBedford, N.H. | Kathleen ThiesBedford, N.H. |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| March has always been the month of birthday celebrations in my family. My late father, mother, me, brother and son. I started self-isolation on my son’s birthday last Saturday, March 14. I will be alone on my 74th birthday. I sadly accept that I cannot visit my mother at her assisted-living facility when she turns 97. | March has always been the month of birthday celebrations in my family. My late father, mother, me, brother and son. I started self-isolation on my son’s birthday last Saturday, March 14. I will be alone on my 74th birthday. I sadly accept that I cannot visit my mother at her assisted-living facility when she turns 97. |
| Every time I wash my hands following the “Happy Birthday” rule, I sing to one of these people whom I love so much, very thankful that we are alive and well. | Every time I wash my hands following the “Happy Birthday” rule, I sing to one of these people whom I love so much, very thankful that we are alive and well. |
| Brenda HalperinBrooklyn | Brenda HalperinBrooklyn |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| I agree that we need to play defense against the virus threat by minimizing close social interactions among large groups. However, we can also play some offense by using the free time to enhance other aspects of our health. For example, I have encouraged my neighbors to engage in outdoor walk-chats around the community during the afternoons. The informal chats (at an appropriate distance, of course) contribute to social well-being while the walking contributes to our aerobic fitness. I plan to invite people to join me in some gentle stretching and calisthenics while we are standing around. | I agree that we need to play defense against the virus threat by minimizing close social interactions among large groups. However, we can also play some offense by using the free time to enhance other aspects of our health. For example, I have encouraged my neighbors to engage in outdoor walk-chats around the community during the afternoons. The informal chats (at an appropriate distance, of course) contribute to social well-being while the walking contributes to our aerobic fitness. I plan to invite people to join me in some gentle stretching and calisthenics while we are standing around. |
| My wife and I have also begun to invite fellow residents to engage in outdoor cocktail hours for wine and conversation about books, movies, etc. The wine contributes to cardiovascular health and the conversation to intellectual well-being. Those of us fortunate enough to avoid the virus can perhaps use this time to have a positive effect on our overall health. | My wife and I have also begun to invite fellow residents to engage in outdoor cocktail hours for wine and conversation about books, movies, etc. The wine contributes to cardiovascular health and the conversation to intellectual well-being. Those of us fortunate enough to avoid the virus can perhaps use this time to have a positive effect on our overall health. |
| Bernard GutinDurham, N.C.The writer is emeritus professor of applied physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University, and emeritus professor of pediatrics and physiology at Medical College of Georgia. | Bernard GutinDurham, N.C.The writer is emeritus professor of applied physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University, and emeritus professor of pediatrics and physiology at Medical College of Georgia. |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| Lucky for me, just before the library shut down, I picked up the book I had on hold: “The Violet Bakery Cookbook.” I had seen it in the library of a Manhattan hotel last month when I visited my children. That will be the last trip I take and the last time I see them for many months. But I’m trying not to think about it. | Lucky for me, just before the library shut down, I picked up the book I had on hold: “The Violet Bakery Cookbook.” I had seen it in the library of a Manhattan hotel last month when I visited my children. That will be the last trip I take and the last time I see them for many months. But I’m trying not to think about it. |
| So far I’ve made strawberry ginger scones, raspberry star anise muffins and brownies with rye flour. When I’m baking I’m a world away and right here at the same time. It feels like ordinary life. | So far I’ve made strawberry ginger scones, raspberry star anise muffins and brownies with rye flour. When I’m baking I’m a world away and right here at the same time. It feels like ordinary life. |
| Cary MarriottSan Antonio | Cary MarriottSan Antonio |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| Hello! My name is Jackie and I am a dog, a 9-year-old, hundred-pound black Labrador retriever to be exact, and I have no idea what the coronavirus is. I am having my human brother, Max, transcribe what I am saying. Over my nine years I have picked up my family’s routine and right now life doesn’t seem normal, but I, being a dog, am still having a great time. | Hello! My name is Jackie and I am a dog, a 9-year-old, hundred-pound black Labrador retriever to be exact, and I have no idea what the coronavirus is. I am having my human brother, Max, transcribe what I am saying. Over my nine years I have picked up my family’s routine and right now life doesn’t seem normal, but I, being a dog, am still having a great time. |
| My mom used to take me to the dog park every morning, but since that is closed I get to walk around in a local forest, which I like. The whole family is here: My brother came back from college, my dad is home from work, and I get to go on long walks, so my life is great. Today they lit a fire and moved my bed closer to it so I got to hog the heat, and I felt warm and loved. | My mom used to take me to the dog park every morning, but since that is closed I get to walk around in a local forest, which I like. The whole family is here: My brother came back from college, my dad is home from work, and I get to go on long walks, so my life is great. Today they lit a fire and moved my bed closer to it so I got to hog the heat, and I felt warm and loved. |
| Right now I am about to go to sleep on the couch in a little blanket burrito after a long hard day of sleeping in front of the fire. Oh, to be a dog in a pandemic. | Right now I am about to go to sleep on the couch in a little blanket burrito after a long hard day of sleeping in front of the fire. Oh, to be a dog in a pandemic. |
| Max FerrandinoBoston | Max FerrandinoBoston |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| This coronavirus crisis has created one advantage of being old. My wife and I are in our 80s and never go anywhere anyway. | This coronavirus crisis has created one advantage of being old. My wife and I are in our 80s and never go anywhere anyway. |
| Larry W. YotherBloomfield, Conn. | Larry W. YotherBloomfield, Conn. |
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