A great article HERE about some of the things we can learn from this dreadful pandemic, mainly about how most families and friends function in isolation even when they're not in the middle of one.
After being in isolation, I find little change in my life and responsibilities except for a looming threat of a Covid-19 hanging over my head and invading my body if I go out in public. But, I think a lot of families operate in "pandemic" mode all the time or at least that's what I've observed in a lot of families.
We are isolated in many cases not by choice, but by circumstances beyond our control. Our loved ones in independent care facilities and nursing homes are there because caring for them is beyond the scope of what their family can provide. Some of our families who have children or adults with mobility challenges can't get out of the house. Most times it's very difficult to physically get your son or daughter out of the house because the wheelchair is too heavy to lift into the car. Assuming there is a car that can be used to safely transport an individual with special needs. And everything takes so much time just getting them ready by dressing and cleaning them up to be presentable.
There doesn't have to be a pandemic present for ongoing wiping up and disinfecting after our children and adults especially for the ones who are always fidgeting with their tongue, mouth, clothing, and fingers. It's just what they do. Even with the countless therapies to which they are subjected, redirecting the self- stimming it is still very much a part of how we interact with them and who they are and who they will remain to be.
This pandemic is serious. We can't make light of it. If it hasn't turned your life on end, then count yourself lucky. All our children and families are being compromised in some way and hopefully, we are reaching out in ways that the pandemic will not allow us. For example, I needed bleach to clean and a neighbor's work associate shared her stash with us. We're making masks for each other. We are helping a young widow grieve for her young husband. We are taking dinners to families. We are trying to keep it together while some of us are having to say goodbye to our friends, family, jobs, and income. Some of us are even losing hope and faith.
Hopefully, this pandemic will bring us all closer together in understanding the barriers that people faced while trying to survive it. The people who were already isolated and socially distant from us.
