Normal is a word that seems to have no meaning to me now. The only thing that would be “normal” is if we could go back to a time before all this started and either stay at that point or somehow not have the virus. Neither can happen. The powers that be say this will end some day. Will it? These same people said “Don’t wear masks. They may make things worse!” They could have said “Don’t scarf up all the N95 masks. Save those for the medical personnel. Make yourself a mask and use this or that as a filter.” No . . they said “Don’t wear a mask!” Now they’re saying “We didn’t realize how contagious it was.” Then maybe they shouldn’t be doing what they’re doing. So, how am I supposed to believe them when they say “this will someday end”.
We had clean sheets on our bed last night. I crawled into bed thinking how nice clean sheets smell and then I thought . . I shouldn’t enjoy this. There are sick people on ventilators who will not make it through the night. There are doctors and nurses risking their own lives to help others get better. Why should I be luxuriating in my own bed with clean, sweet smelling sheets?
This morning, as I made my way to the kitchen to think about breakfast, I felt lucky to have the foods we have, and an adequate kitchen for cooking. There are people who are homeless or those who can’t pay their rent or mortgage and even though foreclosures and evictions are hopefully stopped for now, at some point, they’re going to have to pay the piper.
I walked into my bathroom. My comb, my toothbrush, my bath robe . . everything is right where it’s been for the almost 9 years we’ve lived here. It’s normal but nothing is really normal any more.
I think about people who have lost their jobs or, have been “furloughed”. I think of all the people who worked at Hobby Lobby stores across the country who now have no paycheck. I think of my trips to MO and every single time, I comment to Vince what a huge percentage of the 18 wheelers on I-44 are Hobby Lobby trucks. Those drivers are idle. Every single person probably has bills to pay, food to buy, children who have birthdays coming up and no money for a present and definitely no party!
Life is tough for too many people.
Who could have seen this coming and who would have imagined things would be like they are today? It was probably the middle of February when a friend and I kept saying “Do you have this? Should you buy that?” as we tried to plan what we might need in the event things got bad. It was about that same time that I asked Chad and Nicole to buy extra food and supplies . . just in case. Even with the feeling I had, I was thinking short term and had no idea how many businesses would be shut down; how many schools would be closed (which I guess is EVERY school in the country); how many people would lose their jobs and most importantly, how many people would lose their lives.
I am thankful for so many things now. I’m thankful that we are all healthy. I’m thankful that Vince is retired and not having to go to work with all this going on. I’m thankful we don’t have to fear losing a paycheck. I’m thankful that Chad and Nicole are both considered “essential” and still have their jobs/paychecks. I’m thankful that Nicole’s mom is off work and Addie is able to stay with her.
Things are good, relatively speaking, for us. Just like enjoying those clean sheets last night, there’s no joy to be had knowing that so many are hurting so badly.
I pray, probably more than I’ve ever prayed. I pray for those who are hurting, those who are scared. I pray for the children who have no idea what’s going on but just know mom and dad are scared and there’s no school. I pray for our leaders. Our President. The leaders of other countries affected. I pray for Governors, for County Judges. People are having to make hard, painful decisions. We’re in uncharted territory. Do something to help one person and it ruins someone else. I pray for doctors, nurses, first responders, custodians at health care facilities, pharmacists, support staff.
I pray and pray. I get up. Everything around me looks normal but nothing is normal.
Every day I write several blog posts. I try to put a positive spin on it. No one comes here to read about my troubles. I want to be a bright spot in a very dark, dreary land. Please don’t take my posts, my attempt at living a somewhat normal life to mean that I am unaware of what’s going on around me. I want to share knowledge — whatever little bit I might have to offer. I want to share joy but honestly, I’m having to dig very deep to find it these days.
I will carry on. You will carry on. We will get through this . . together. That’s what they tell us!
Judy in MO says
I agree, it is a very scary time. When I began to contemplate being isolated from my family and the world, I thought we were looking at 4-6 weeks, but now it looks like it will be much more and that makes me sad. I feel bad for my grandson who is missing his last semester of college with his friends, who will graduate with his MBA by watching a monitor screen instead of with his friends, professors and coaches he has known for 5 years. So many young people missing so many experiences.
Liz says
Amen!
Just like after 9/11, there was a new “normal”, there will be another one after the virus has run its course. But, we must not forget to prepare for the next wave. So your posts reminding us about preparing are useful. Keep them coming!
Denise Ramsay Porter says
Perspective is everything. Lost my job on Monday. But my daughter is happy that I am unemployed because now I am here to cook nice meals for her (she is 14) and her 20 year old brother….. instead of coming home tired and grumpy from work and grabbing a frozen dinner or packaged macaroni and cheese! There is always someone worse of than we are so it behooves us to be thankful! God will take care of us and if the government emergency benefits come through I will likely be better off than I was working with all the deductions (regular ones) plus pension contributions and health insurance premiums! I enjoy your posts. Thanks for posting what is happening in your neck of the world.
Peg Turner says
I go to work everyday at a doctor’s office, my husband works at a Walmart DC, we have to go out everyday but try to be as safe as possible. Our 22 year old son is home finishing his last semester of college virtually, our 18 year old daughter is a senior in HS, we’re waiting to hear what happens with her. My 86 year old mom and my sister are at home just down the road from us. We are all stocked fairly well, I do need to go out to the store today though. I usually save all your blog posts for the week and read them on Saturday morning while I drink my coffee, before everyone else is up. The more you write the more I enjoy my Saturday morning. At this point I don’t care what they are about, just keep them coming!
Stephani in N. TX says
Your post was like a conversation, back and forth, one we’ve all had, but alone together!
Susan says
Thank you for such a beautiful message Judy! I stay in touch with you daily via your blog and your posts bring me a lot of comfort during this difficult time. Thank you!
marcie says
Judy, I appreciate your approach. I’ve been looking for opportunities to post photos of flowers and fun things (like my “home salon” for cutting my hair, with TP rolls stacked up and a hand-held mirror stuck down in the center of it). Thank you!
Phyllis says
Thank you so much for being a big part of my “normal” for every day.
Caro says
I love reading all your blog posts. Except scorpions. I have never had to deal with them, and they skeeve me out! Virtual hugs!
Ranch Wife says
Well said, Judy. I feel the same way. It is hard to go about our daily lives when so many are struggling, but I think you are helping so many with your informative posts and prayer…always prayer.
Arrowhead Gramma says
Judy, an excellent post. I too, am praying and praying for all those affected and in need during this time of crisis. I know that God hears and answers our prayers, so if we can do nothing else, we can pray. Thank you again for your post.
Ruth says
I feel better knowing there are others praying out there too. Thank you.
Judy Laquidara says
I have a feeling there are a bunch of people praying!
Rebecca says
“and then I thought . . I shouldn’t enjoy this.” This made me sad. I think you should appreciate what you have, as you obviously have a thankful heart. As long as you are not depriving others, you’re good! You are also serving as a positive force, keeping up with your blog and bringing people together, safely! 😀
Nelle Coursey says
I have been thinking and doing the same things. Probably the urge for them to buy extra supplies was due to the storms in the area that were about to occur. But whatever the reason, it was a good thing for them to do. I think eventually we will get back to some sort of “normal” whatever that is. There will most likely always be homeless and those who have less than we do. That is why I like to give to Good Samaritan and Bostick here and she got this started. I am thankful for all the people who volunteer. And I am thankful for the Salvation Army and Paul Coghlan who travels all over the country to help out. I plan to one day volunteer for the toys for kids program, but right now I am tied up. I pray for everyone to get over this pandemic and it goes away soon.
In saying all this, I am also thankful for the blogs you post and all the upbeat things you post. I know it is hard to do this when there is catastrophe all around you. I for one thank You Judy for doing this for us. You give us information, laughs and we get to hear Addie’s latest antics. That is a wonderful welcome in this day and time.
So don’t feel bad about your clean sheets. You do what you can to help others. Look at all the masks you made and other things you have done in the past to help people out. You are a great person and don’t forget it. But just like a priest, sometimes everyone needs to talk to someone else and let them know their feelings.
Lift up your heart! God is with you!
Dottie says
We were watching our church service on tv last week – large church about an hour from us. There was a choral group instead of the full choir (6 feet apart), empty sanctuary and the preacher made a few comments about how things have changed and what some people were dealing with. He told about a bride coming in (her wedding was having to be postponed/cancelled because of the guests), a grandparent wanting to see their new grandchild (at the hospital) but unable to get in, about funerals not being held, etc. So many things we don’t think about unless they affect us.
Judy Laquidara says
Yes. It is all so weird and heartbreaking!
Sara F says
I think we all are having to dig deep to find some joy these days. We’ve been trying to count our blessing too. Glad to hear you and your family are all doing well so far.
Kathleen Schwitzner says
I live in Normal, IL, so the only thing that’s normal right now is the town name! (It’s a university town and a normal university is one that trains teachers. Illinois State University has been around since 1857, and sent a regiment to the Civil Wars called the Fighting Teachers. I digress.)
Keep the posts coming. They are a bright light right now, even ones like this one when you are very real in your concerns. One favor: can you post the pattern for Peaches & Dreams? I have a hankering to make one and Lord knows we have time!
Judy Laquidara says
I do not have access to any of those old patterns. The hard drive that I had them stored on has failed. I know I have them all printed somewhere but I have not come across them yet.
Judy Simcock says
Great Post Judy, you said it all so well, keep posting, I check most days from Down Under. I agree it’s not always easy to be upbeat in a blog post, but sometimes you need to tell it as it is. Thankyou.
Susan Nixon says
Yes, positive is what gets us all through. I don’t care of people think I wear rose colored glasses. It’s my choice how I accept adversity, and that’s how I do it. The Lord loves a cheerful heart, and a grateful one. Don’t think you shouldn’t enjoy what you have because someone else doesn’t have it. You should enjoy it twice as much! You know you are blessed, and that’s important. President Nelson invited the world to fast together on Good Friday and pray for relief from COVID-19.
“By fasting together,” President Nelson said, “people will pray that the corona virus pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened and life normalized. Good Friday,” Nelson said, “would be the perfect day to have God hear those pleas.”
Dot says
Judy, the pattern for Peaches and Dreams is on the Internet Archive! Here’s the link to the PDF:
https://web.archive.org/web/20160403065014/https://patchworktimes.com/Patterns/PeachesDreams.pdf
I first Googled the pattern name + your name, and found your page with the broken link to the pattern. Then I copied that broken link, and went to the wonderful Internet Archive’s “Wayback Machine”, pasted that link in their search box, and it found your pattern in its saved pages.
A bit of joy in dark times.
Kathleen Schwitzner says
Thank you so much, Dot! I have this wonderful pattern by Judy once again!