Pandemic diary
(Pandemic Diary - day 15)
From my journal: 13 March 2020 (Friday)
One of the articles I read this morning mentioned that this would be a good time to start a diary, that this pandemic that’s about to sweep across us is something we’ll talk with our grandchildren about, and the observations we capture now, in real time, are the ones that will be most valid, as they aren’t contaminated by our future knowledge. Of course I already have a “diary” but I’m glad to see this idea anyway, because maybe it will move someone else to start one, too.
As for what I should be capturing, I’m not sure.
I’ve already talked about the feelings of indecision and guilt around the trip we’re making tomorrow, and that hasn’t changed. There’s more to go on now, because we know that the two main objects of the trip — the show at the Benedum and the brunch at the Grand Concourse — are both still on. And we know that Mom and Dad are still in (although today Mom texted Renee with a hint of indecision, so we’ll see).
Beyond that, I can say I’m feeling a bit of dread, but mainly a curiosity to see how this is all going to play out. It’s like a slow-moving hurricane, where you can see the path it’s likely to take, but instead of moving over the course of days, it will move across weeks.
I can also say I’m not that disappointed by cancellations or for the excuse to disengage from travel and so on. It’s doing something for me that I have trouble doing for myself. I don’t mind staying home, and this makes it more likely that I will.
A quote I heard on the radio earlier is worth capturing, the idea that the way we’ll know the measures we’re taking worked, is if they seem like an overreaction when we look back on them.
Somehow I have a feeling that won’t be the case.