I’m not sure why, but I’ve done my best to keep the pandemic out of my writing over the last three weeks.
You can’t tell from reading it, but as I typed the previous sentence, I first wrote “current situation” instead of “pandemic,” as if that would make it easier. It’s a pandemic, though, and it needs to be called that.
It’s not easy, though, and the uncertainty is making it even harder.
I’m writing this on Monday. It’s early in the afternoon, and I’m sitting with my dog in my living room.
Last Thursday, just four days ago, things were nearly normal at school.
Friday morning, we were getting ready for possible distance learning. Friday afternoon we were closing school after class this upcoming Wednesday.
Saturday it was announced that student absences during the first three days of school this week would be excused.
Sunday afternoon, schools were closed, effective immediately.
This morning, teachers went in to do things like empty refrigerators and turn off computers. Make sure the trash was out. Make sure there wasn’t any food left in the classrooms that could be a problem with mice over an extended break.
By 10:00, I was gone, on my way home. For an extended break.
And now, I’m still in my school clothes, sitting with my dog, writing and trying to make sense of it all.
Tomorrow, I’m going to write about something else.
—
That said, who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Yet There is Method 
It was a sudden change for many. Change plus pandemic equals some uncertainty. I couldn’t keep it out of my writing today, either.
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There is so much uncertainty, and it’s hard. I appreciate you reading my post, and for the post you made as well–it was very powerful. Thank you.
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It has been confusing. And as much as we don’t want to write about it, it just comes out.
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It does come out, doesn’t it? I think it’s good to let it go, but I don’t want it to consume my slicing. There are too many good and beautiful things going on all around us!
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I have also tried to keep it out of my posts for the most part, but it does seem to be taking over. The situation is changing by the minute, so I relate to your last line, “What will tomorrow bring?” Keep up the good work over there! We’ve got this!
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It seems like things are changing too fast to keep up with. That said, I do believe that you’re right: We’ve got this. Thank you for reading.
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I’ve also tried to nave the focus of my slices NOT be COVID 19, but it has crept in. Impossible to ignore, isn’t it? I like the way you’ve shared your process. I can picture you typing current situation, and then taking a breath. It’s a pandemic. Yes.
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That was a hard sentence to write, but there it is. It’s impossible to ignore, but I don’t want to be paralyzed by it. There’s a lot to write about, so I’ll find something different tomorrow!
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Ha! I have also been trying to NOT write about it. I was successful today but honestly, it is all I am thinking about. My favorite line in your piece: “And now, I’m still in my school clothes, sitting with my dog, writing and trying to make sense of it all.”
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I’m fighting the urge to be consumed by the news, and writing helps. Tomorrow is a new day, and–while I don’t know that it holds–I’m confident it will have something different to write about!
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Oh, I know I tried to keep it out of my writing too but was less successful than you because I wrote about the pandemic last week. I’ve also written a lot about this super fast transition to unplanned digital learning. It will be an interesting four weeks. My son, a senior, has one foot out the door anyway but still – not sure how well the staff at our HS is prepared to do this online teaching thing….I have told myself to be patient.
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Patience is definitely something we all need. I’m not sure how well the digital learning thing will go, but I’m confident that teachers will be able to handle it (after a pretty steep learning curve). Best of luck to you and your son!
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Thanks! I am sure most of the teachers we know will rise to the occasion – I just hope they get the amount of support they need, when they need it. Best to you as well!
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I’m starting to get the idea that distance learning might be part of “our new normal.” I, too, hope the support is there!
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I gave up resisting the shift from small moments in my earlier Slice/Poems and into the world now unfolding — I’m still trying to think in terms of small – how a turn of phrase or a different angle on something might reveal some thinking. So far, it’s working. Mostly. Thanks for your post.
Kevin
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Kevin, I like your idea of focusing on the small. I know that for me it’s easy to get caught up in the swirl of life, totally forgetting that there are countless stories and perspectives to know and see. Thanks for reading.
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I gave up and started to write up the big P even though I don’;t want do do so….it is the elephant in EVERYONE’S room this week!
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Yes it is!
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