I'm okay

Here we are in the midst of a global pandemic, and....I'm okay.  Is that wrong?

I realize how privileged and fortunate I am. I have a stable job, good income, and substantial savings. I have a safe home, good food, and toilet paper. My immediate family has not been affected by the virus and, for the most part, are in similar circumstances.  I wear a mask when I'm out, wash my hands frequently, wipe down surfaces in my home, car, and other places I visit. I'm in good health. I go out only for essential trips. I don't have a young child at home that needs attention.  I am not a naturally anxious person.  I keep on top of the news, but I don't watch or read it obsessively.

I miss going to the gym. I miss seeing my colleagues at work and professional conferences. I miss running out to Target for no particular reason. I miss walking along the lake shore.

I worry about the health of my 90 year old father. I worry about the health of my 18 month old grandson. I don't want anyone to get sick.

I am angered by the confusion, miscommunication, and lack of foresight in preparing for this event. I am saddened by the, not new, realization that this disease, like so many others, affects those parts of our population with the fewest resource--people of color, people living in institutional settings, people living in poverty.

I am awed by the heroics of the medical personnel, and also the store clerks, maintenance workers, bus drivers, and others who continue to do their jobs in incredibly difficult circumstances.

But, I'm okay.  And I feel a little guilty about that.