Quarantine reflections: Learning Zoom and other challenges

On what would have been the fourth day of our transatlantic cruise I am giving thanks for good health, counting my blessings and acknowledging what a minor disappointment that cancellation is compared to the suffering of others. We will sail again. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic is tragic.

Through it all, the goodness and creativity of people have been astonishing. On an Easter weekend phone call, my son and I chatted about how folks have been entertaining and helping each other instead of discussing the dreadful statistics. He shared how churches in his area hid balloons for kids to safely spot from cars instead of having egg hunts. We pray the lessons we are learning will stick.

It’s a weird time, for sure.

For example, I never anticipated doing this for real. Halloween, maybe.

This quarantine has presented other firsts and trials. Like learning Zoom. If most children are using it for their classrooms, why can’t a few seniors catch on for a virtual happy hour? Our small group muddled through with such punctuations as: “Now I can’t see Harry.” “I can’t hear anyone, but I see you all.” “I give up.”

So the next day my boyfriend and I agreed to review the rules and practice zooming (is that a verb?) from our respective homes.

Baffled again. And he had even called his school teacher daughter-in-law for tips. We had finally connected when my grandson called from his Army base in South Korea. As I hurriedly clicked off Zoom and my face disappeared from the screen, I told my boyfriend I would call him after I talked to my grandson.

“Be careful when you think you leave Zoom,” my boyfriend warned when I called him back. “I could hear your whole side of that conversation.” Note to self: Turn off the device after a Zoom visit.

And then, the groceries.

A few months ago I watched the orange pickup structure and directional signs go up in the parking lot of my neighborhood Walmart, never dreaming I would have to compete for a spot the first time I used the service. With people avoiding stores these days, pickup times fill up fast. After a few futile tries, I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. and scored one for three days later. I had an hour to shop and clicked check out in plenty of time, only to have my credit card rejected again and again. Impossible, I muttered, what’s going on? Eventually I noticed a text from my provider: “Unusual activity on your card at Walmart. Is it you?” “Yes!” “OK, go ahead.” “Sorry, you lost your spot. Try again tomorrow morning,” said Walmart, when my card finally went through. “Only you,” said my boyfriend.

But again, just a minor inconvenience …

Grateful for this safe and convenient service. I will continue to clean my produce like this now that I realize how lax I had been. A change already. 

About our cruise …

We observed the would-be departure date with a Stay-at-Home Sail-Away dinner, substituting Bubba Burgers for Princess’ hamburgers, our traditional welcome aboard lunch. My boyfriend set the scene with signs and a special drink. We toasted our good health and good fortune, trusting we will cruise again. We know how lucky we are compared to many others.

This morning Hoda and Jenna talked from separate locations about their family meals, playtimes with children and other cherished family moments … rare during normal times. Yesterday my cousin asked what I think our new normal will be. Hoping for having deep appreciation of loved ones and taking the time to show it.

Meanwhile, heeding this wise man will heal our souls: “No matter what your heartache may be, laughing helps you forget it for a few seconds.” – Red Skelton