April 9

April 9, 2020

More good news to break the day.  Our esteemed leader tells us that we could be looking at summer before we flatten the curve, and not until a vaccine to return to normal, maybe a year to 18 months.  Meanwhile here in Kelowna we have only heard of the 16 cases at Bylands Nursery.  They don’t tell us how many cases are actually around us, how many people actually have it, because they can’t test everyone.  Doctors have always “practiced” medicine, not perfected or even performed medicine.  They always err on the side of caution.  What they seem to forget is real people have to deal with their expectations for weeks and or….  months? A year maybe more?  What will be left?  Who will pay?

It takes some time to get going after Trudeau’s rousing speech, but it is a beautiful day and going I must get.  It sure is easy to get sucked into the conspiracy theories that abound.  I don’t think Bill Gates is the devil and I am not sure Trump and Trudeau are as bad as people say.  I know one thing – I would not want their jobs.

Across the street from us live three horses. I look out the window and a van pulls up next to the field.  A couple get out of the van with what must be their son between them.  The carry him to the fence and the horse comes up to say hello. A magic moment occurs when I see the bond between the magnificent beast and the excited boy.  A connection between man and a beautiful creature, the horse stands still as the wondering child caresses its mane.  I smile softly and cherish the moment I am privileged to witness.

Another trip to the grocery store; why is grocery shopping the most stressful thing in life now?  In the line-up people agree that yes it is strange and hard to get used to. I feel a disbelief and dissatisfaction simmering underneath.  I wonder if people can last another month let alone a year…

I am relieved to be back at home, happy hour on the deck.  We had big plans today, a bike ride, groceries, banking. Just glad I got food.

We finish the day with another walk; a routine more than ever before. Darkness sets over our valley. I feel my fear strive to take over.  Money has disappeared, work is dwindling, our trip to Europe is in jeopardy.  Yet we are the lucky ones; the homeless I saw downtown yesterday pop back into my brain.  A guy who’d had his teeth smashed in was looking for help, what can I do? I ask… he says I don’t want your money. I need food.  All I have is an apple to offer, an apple for a guy with no teeth.  I am lucky, I have my teeth. I am lucky I have my wife, lucky we have our health.

As I sit here feeling anxiety and fear for the future, I try to focus on the good; The horse and the boy, the clear air and the beautiful day…