Understatement of the Century (1)

We are in interesting times. Confusing, scary, disorganised, disconnected, darkly funny, and touchingly uplifting times.

The last  moment of physical contact is fading in the memory – a hugger with distinct withdrawal symptoms, cushions are looking very appealing these days. But it’s good, because that means that the chances of infection are significantly lower.

But – stating the blindingly obvious – it is hard. To see those who are dearest to my heart, to my place in the world, but seeing them from a distance. To knowing that no close contact is best, and determined to maintain the separation, whilst doing whatever is feasible to support. But it is hard. Not just for me, of course. For all.

But we choose the option that promises safety, and do what we can to look at the positives.

Amongst the rapidly changing statements, advice, instructions coming from government, the differences and similarities across the globe, the emergence of impatience, criticism and conspiracy theories, there are small but infinitely heart-warming moments of pure humanity.

People at a local level, who always seem to take on extra,  and additional, are there again, organising, implementing, linking, coordinating. All to help those who are forced to separate.

Total strangers, connected only by a superficial swap of a child’s toy, and yet generating the offer to deliver essentials if needed. Neighbours, taking a few moments, minutes, to collect and supply the additionals to create and expand an enclosed existence.

The frustrations and idiocy of panic buying can certainly generate anger, but also a smile. The perfect exemplar of generational division in a supermarket queue, standing – a little too close – next to each other, an older woman with a large pack of toilet paper and a bottle of sherry, a young man with a large pack of toilet paper and a large box of cans of cider.

And we keep going. And most seem to take it on board that this is, very suddenly, a very different time. And those that don’t will be told, of that I am sure.

I am still managing to avoid expanding on the conspiracy theories in this space, but who knows what will happen in the next days and weeks after the social separation begins to have an effect.

And I am still heartened by the generosity of spirit and action of so much of humanity. And hope that the other side of this will produce a very different world.

And in the meantime, I have an office to myself, and social media to retain connections. And as to the rest, time will tell.