As we have all learned it was always a possibility but, it was the farthest thing from our collective minds. Had you asked a baby boomer what health concerns they had back in January they would tell you the big C, heart disease and perhaps some family genetic predisposition like diabetes or some existing condition. I doubt a single individual would have said a virus that has a penchant for killing older people. Yet here we are - social distancing, shopping with a mask on and, with a watchful eye to that keep 6 feet away from the neighbor walking her old pooch. How our lives have changed.
On my daily exercise walk I am reminded that even those young people for which the disease poses minimal risk have their lives forever impacted. The signs say “Class of 2020 strong” but we know it means no graduation, no prom, no junior- senior competitions. Life for them will go on but it will be a big year skipped. I learned my daughter’s graduation from Penn State (MS Computer Science) will be virtual - and no doubt a bit disappointing. (I am proud nearly flawless straight As).
There are new challenges -My Son, ‘Cool Hand’ will be starting his senior year at Penn State too. The summer job at a local grocery no doubt awaits but, we won’t let it happen. He’ll take 3 summer online courses in lieu of risking bringing home the virus. The Mrs and I decided to make up the difference. Looking forward, I’m not sure he will have a job waiting for him next spring. No way to know but I’d like him to attend that same graduate program at Penn State - it’s local and fortunately for once ‘Cool Hand’ is on the same wavelength.
In the end we ramble on the best we can - I look forward to the simple pleasure of sitting in my comfy padded rocker on the driveway in the summer sun. Not good for the skin but great for the soul.
What adjustments have you made if any?
On my daily exercise walk I am reminded that even those young people for which the disease poses minimal risk have their lives forever impacted. The signs say “Class of 2020 strong” but we know it means no graduation, no prom, no junior- senior competitions. Life for them will go on but it will be a big year skipped. I learned my daughter’s graduation from Penn State (MS Computer Science) will be virtual - and no doubt a bit disappointing. (I am proud nearly flawless straight As).
There are new challenges -My Son, ‘Cool Hand’ will be starting his senior year at Penn State too. The summer job at a local grocery no doubt awaits but, we won’t let it happen. He’ll take 3 summer online courses in lieu of risking bringing home the virus. The Mrs and I decided to make up the difference. Looking forward, I’m not sure he will have a job waiting for him next spring. No way to know but I’d like him to attend that same graduate program at Penn State - it’s local and fortunately for once ‘Cool Hand’ is on the same wavelength.
In the end we ramble on the best we can - I look forward to the simple pleasure of sitting in my comfy padded rocker on the driveway in the summer sun. Not good for the skin but great for the soul.
What adjustments have you made if any?
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