Diary 14

Wednesday April 1st

I felt a strange sense of disconnection with the usual silliness that one expects of April 1st. Although I have to say that the squirrels, who resolutely ate or dug up my carefully planted bulbs, seem to have reburied some of them in odd places.  The result is a delicious tulip in the middle of the otherwise barren vegetable patch. The joke is on me, I suppose; I’m not complaining.

Another quiet and calm day unfolded. A brief, socially-distanced chat with our friend and neighbor lightened the mood. He’s facing his second cancer surgery in a few days, and although respectful of the covid-19 rules he is not about to give in to fear and panic. He’s cheerful and optimistic – in direct contrast to so much of what I see on social media.

So today I’ll make a plea: Don’t whip yourselves up with fear, people. It doesn’t do any good, and it makes everyone feel worse. Respect the heroic work being done by so many, and see if you can help. If not (and that seems to be true for many of us) then accept that we may be doing something good just by staying positive. Be calm and try to bring calm to others.