Sweetest Carol Ever Sung

this past weekend we learned that the husband of one of my wife's first cousins was hospitalized in our state capital with the coronavirus.  he has several underlying health problems that have complicated his condition and is on a ventilator.  he first presented with symptoms at his doctor's office where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and sent home with a prescription for antibiotics and told to rest.  a few days later, he was no better and was having trouble breathing, so his son put him in his car and drove him the ninety miles to the capital where he was admitted to the hospital from the emergency room.  now he is in icu.  his family cannot come to see him.  his wife, children, and grandchildren are all under quarantine.  so far no other family members have symptoms of the virus but all are understandably worried for him and having him lying in the hospital unable to have visitors compounds their anxiety.

this situation brought the gravity of the illness home to us in a way that all the news reports could not.  my wife's cousin is about our age and suddenly the prospect of becoming seriously ill and perhaps dying from covid-19 seems very possible.  now we understand the plight of those whose family member may be in the same situation.  how troubling it must be to know that someone you care for deeply is alone and suffering while you sit at home filled with fear, knowing there is nothing you can do for you loved one except try to stay healthy yourself!  our awareness of one family's plight has convinced us that we must isolate ourselves further.  we must not make any more unnecessary trips to the store, even for groceries.  we have most everything we need here at home.  what we don't have, we can either get by without or pickup through curbside service.

as i read about churches that refuse to cancel services and drive around town seeing people shopping for things like antiques and clothing, i want to get the word to them about my wife's cousin and her family, imploring them to go home and stay home.  those drives around town and the neighboring countryside are the only escapes from home that we will allow ourselves, with the exception of trips to make use of the grocery store's pickup service.  we stay in touch with our children by phone and text but we're afraid to travel to see them.  our scheduled trip to visit a 90+-year-old aunt two states away at the end of the month is cancelled.  we'll be right here for the foreseeable future hoping for the best for ourselves, our loved ones, and all people in the world.

may we find the strength to do what must be done in this unprecedented situation.  may those who care for the sick be supplied with the protections they need.  may some good come from this terrible situation.  may we become aware as never before that in the midst of life we are in death, that life and death are one process.  may we feel connected to all those who suffer from this disease, even though there is little we can do to help them.  may we be filled with lovingkindness and compassions, may we be well, may we be peaceful and at ease, and may we be happy, even under these trying conditions.  shalom.