Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

Well, as of midnight, our whole area of over six million people has to shelter in place.  No going out for anything social, everything is closed but grocery stores and pharmacies, no visiting of friends or family.  We live within walking distance of two of our kids, their spouses and grandkids, but unless we're out walking keeping 6 feet apart, we won't see them.  I believe officials are doing the right thing, but it's going to be very strange, as if we've stepped into a sci fy movie.  My husband will do puzzles, I'll read and write, and text and phone.  Today, however, we cleaned the house top to bottom, and I've made a list of activities for myself:  clean the pantry, clean the studio, work on my grandchildren poems, order surprises for my grandkids, take more photos to share.  I may walk with a friend at a time, if we can keep apart a reasonable length.  The grocery stores are going crazy, with lines around the block, according to my younger son.  My younger daughter wonders about sending her son to preschool, even if it stays open with 12 or fewer kids.  I told her today that these decisions are excruciating.  I cried a lot yesterday, thinking about not seeing my grandsons, about whether I will be able to travel to my granddaughter's birthday in April.  One day at a time.  I'm praying we can keep this pandemic from becoming a nightmare.  It will involve a great deal of cooperation.  I hope we're up for it.