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Stir Crazy

I was waiting for curb-side pick-up at Panera, the only eating out we do these days once a week. Three old ladies emerged from inside all without masks and demonstrably not social-distancing. Lots of hugs and kisses were exchanged before they got into their separate cars and drove away. This was likely a Saturday morning reunion after our state started to re-open. Everyone is going stir-crazy, there is no question about that. But it does boggle the mind to see the highest risk people go well out their way to endanger themselves. As I watched these women, I had to wonder if they believed this whole pandemic was some kind of media hoax or perhaps they were to invincible to get sick from a virus. Whatever the case, they made quite the statement as they defied all the advisory on staying safe in full view of the world. A few others were waiting inside our cars and we could not help looking their way in dismay.  On the drive back home, I noticed the busy parking lots outside the mall and other restaurants.

The desperation for normal at any cost is hard to understand. These are times when we should count ourselves very fortunate to even have the choice of staying in and carrying on with our lives. Not everyone has the luxury and they are being forced to place themselves at risk everyday. Even more than that perhaps be grateful for being employed and being in good health. What is the sense in jeopardizing all that good fortune over this misguided need to be free. Had I not seen this scene first hand, an indoor political rally would not make sense but it does now. My friend D is hunkering down in her house in Florida - stocked up for several months. They are an older couple and the kids are scattered around the country. The way D sees it, they are on completely on their own and need to ride this out as people exercise their right to be self-absorbed and devoid of concern for those more vulnerable than them.

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