EVE RY DAY L I F E
Quarantine cognizance Story by SARAH CLOWER Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE PROBABLY THE LAST WORLD WAR, our entire planet’s population was affected and brought to its knees by one thing: COVID-19. This virus completely changed the way we go about our daily lives. It changed the way we school our children, seek healthcare, buy groceries, and greatly limits our access to favorite forms of entertainment, pastimes, and physical activities. It also greatly impacts our ability to have physical contact with our elderly relatives. Unfortunately, so many of the elderly do not have access or know how to use many modern forms of technology that are commonplace in keeping in touch with loved ones remotely. Especially for the elderly that are residing in nursing and retirement homes, visitors were completely forbidden. This is extremely unfortunate for so many entering the final days of their lives and whose loved ones were unable to say their goodbyes in person, hug and kiss a cheek for the last time. It’s confusing for many elderly patients in nursing homes that were suffering from dementia. They don’t understand why no one was coming to visit Hug my grandma more and go eat breakfast with her every weekend. She gives the best hugs and makes the best breakfasts. I really should have been spending more time with her. - Aiden, 22 Never take seeing your parents in the nursing home for granted or see it as a chore. - Kim, 48 Spend more time with my grandparents and buy stock in Charmin. - Melissa, 34 14
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~
JULY 2020
or why they can’t leave their rooms for meals or activities. Being a hairstylist — and not being able to open my business for seven weeks — there were numerous times that I felt especially down, angry, and agonizingly worried about finances, the state of our economy, trying to homeschool my 10 year old and, of course, the health of loved ones. However, I knew I was luckier than most and tried to remain positive. I would often reach out to my older clients to check on them, visit with them on the phone, grocery shop for them, and we even played card games a time or two using Zoom. Oe client, in particular, said something that really made me stop and think. She asked: “What has your quarantine cognizance been? What has this taught you and made you appreciate more? And what do you think you would have done differently if you would have known back in January this was going to happen?” Her questions really got me thinking. So over the next several weeks, I decided to ask those around me the same questions, especially those who were feeling especially anxious or down.
My big realization was how impatient we can be with the elderly. My dad is 87 and so active. I finally managed to teach him and several of his friends to use Zoom and how to get groceries online. It was very frustrating at times, and there were moments that I about said forget it. But I realized they are just as teachable as anyone else, just more stubborn. But I’m so glad I did. He played games and did trivia nights and played music with his friends, all over Zoom. It would have been hard to keep him at home otherwise. - Teri, 57
Say yes more! When friends or family ask you out for dinner or to hang out, just say yes. I felt very lonely during quarantine and thought about all the times I chose not to go with them. - Megan, 20 Don’t start spring cleaning too early, and stock up on toilet paper and macaroni and cheese. - Eunice, 91 Buy hand sanitizer and to get a dog. - Rick, 79
