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Monday I was at the car dealership getting an oil change and yes, I am one of those people that doesn't wear a mask unless I am forced to. The employees weren't wearing them so I felt that I could go without one as well. Half of the customers had them on, a few had gloves as well (LOSE THE GLOVES PEOPLE! THEY DON'T HELP!). I sat in my chair and observed the looks on everyone's faces. I felt like I was in a war zone. No one speaks, everyone is on edge, it's just ugly. I observed two co-workers and an awkward exchange because the man was trying to keep his distance and the woman kept touching his shoulder and he was trying to back away. It was difficult to watch and to realize---is THIS the new normal? When I went to open the door anywhere I used a paper towel and disinfected my hands. I have never thought about germs in my life. Except when my middle son was sick as a newborn and then when he had cancer but truly that's it. Now I have a bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse along with a mask and paper towels.
I went to get a much needed pedicure and was told I needed a mask and to sanitize my hands before entering and there was a thermometer there on the counter if I wanted to check my temperature. Wow. There were plexi glass barriers everywhere, they raised their prices (to cover these costs I'm sure) and I sat there thinking---this CANNOT be the new normal. They had meditation type music playing instead of the TV on and I couldn't help but feel like I just wanted to cry. It seemed like we were all adversaries instead of neighbors. Everyone had fear or frustration or suspicion in their eyes. Really? Would this ever go away?
I am really trying to not stick my head in the sand but honestly? How long can this go on? And keeping a mask on when getting a pedicure but being in a restaurant without one (obviously) what's the point? I'm an all or nothing kind of person. I just don't think it makes sense. Yes, I'm being cautious, taking steps I would normally not take, but wearing a mask forever whenever I'm in public? Teachers wearing masks while teaching, students while learning? How is this even going to work? My heart breaks for these young children growing up with this.
I had to order toilet paper and paper towels for my company and still my normal orders aren't available. So I am forced to order more expensive items just so that we have them because we are allowed to open up again. Our business is having to change so many things to stay up to code. It's a full time job just keeping up with all the requirements.
I am a hugger. One of my love languages is touch. I went for months without hugging my sons---hell no. Not anymore. And I hold onto them tighter and tighter every time I see them, and they hold on right back. At the beginning of the week my daughter had to hand in her cheer uniform. They had lines of cars, the seniors were picking up their cap and gowns and lawn signs and yearbooks and the uniforms were being given back. Some of the kids stayed in their cars and waited for someone to approach them. Finally I told my daughter to just go bring her uniform into the gym. Well, her coach said "No way I'm not giving you a hug! Sorry." My daughter wouldn't have left without one either. Her friend was waving from afar and told Em that she wanted to come and hug us so badly but her mom told her she'd be punished if she went near anyone. That broke my heart. I'm not judging her mom, I get it! Everyone has to do what is right for them. But to me? A life like that isn't worth protecting or living. Yesterday my daughter and I got together with some friends and it was so awkward greeting them. But my daughter and her friend just hugged each other so tightly and that broke the ice and then there were hugs all around and the atmosphere relaxed.
I am a firm believer in not living in fear. I also feel if you think you're going to get sick, you will. I am not judging anyone for doing what they feel is best for them and their families, but I ask that I am not judged either. I put my faith and trust in God, as I do every day and I want to live my life. Because after all, isn't that why everyone is avoiding this disease? So that they can live? If I can't hug and kiss and touch the people that I love then what's the point? Just sayin'. Isn't it just a day in the life?
