Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
I realized I have some notes and things I need from the office, so a break in the routine and a quick drive downtown to pick up what I am missing. Wondering if I will ever encounter people in the building, given they announced yesterday that two of our 15.000 colleagues tested positive for Conora.
I guess you will find out here tomorrow.
For now starting the day off with a funny message, even though the reality of the situation is not of course. Check out this ad.
All the more appropriate, even if directed at Mr. B. Johnson.
Still no significant testing in the US, still 60% of the people at work. But at least they have passed a coronavirus relieve bill. The hope is, that this will help people decide to #stayathome.
I am also encouraged by the many initiatives underway to encourage people to #stayathome and ensure they are entertained. Here are links to a few of them which should help alleviate boredom and provide access to culture, music, and food. I just love how creative people are becoming to get together without getting together.
The Met’s best operas will be available for free online – so why not enjoy a night at the opera?
Or learn something new making use of free online courses some of the American Ivy League schools make available (anyone else ever wondered, why they are called "schools" when everyone else calls them universities? What exactly does that say about education in the USA?).
Chef Massimo Bottura is offering free virtual cooking classes on Instagram.
Or go on a virtual tour of one of America’s 31 national parks with Google Earth.
As to us: Today is a rainy and grey day in Maryland. More than on other days I feel something to lift the spirit would be beneficial. As it happens someone posted this (author anonymous, so sorry, cannot give credit), which I thought was beautiful:
It was March 2020
The streets were empty, stores closed, people couldn't get out
But spring didn't know, and the flowers began to bloom, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, swallows were coming soon, the sky was blue, the morning was coming early.
It was March 2020
Young people had to study online, and find jobs at home, people couldn't shop anymore, or go to the hairdresser. Soon there would be no room in hospitals, and people continued to get sick.
But spring didn't know, time to go to the garden was coming, grass verdissait.
It was March 2020
People have been put on lockdown. to protect grandparents, families and children. No more reunion or meal, family party. Fear has become real and the days looked alike.
But spring didn't know, apple trees, cherry trees and others grew, the leaves grew .
People started reading, playing with family, learning a language, singing on the balcony by inviting neighbors to do the same, they learned a new language, be supportive and focused on other values. People realized the importance of health, the suffering, of this world that had stopped, the economy that fell.
But spring didn't know.
The flowers left their place for fruits, the birds made their nest, swallows had arrived Then release day came, people learned it on TV. The virus had lost, people went down the street, singing, crying, kissing their neighbors, without masks or gloves.
And that's when summer came, because spring didn't know. He continued to be there despite everything, despite the virus, fear and death.
Because spring didn't know, it taught people the power of life.
Would it not be wonderful if by summer life would go back ot a new normal? Which makes me wonder, what will the new normal look like?