March winds, April showers

In case any of you don’t know, my mama is a twin. And for those that do know her, you know she is loaded with old wives’ tales and folklore. Over the years, I have heard her quote sayings. One has stuck out this year. March weather…in like a lion, out like a lamb. I am not sure how best to describe March this year! But just so I never forget, I am going to make a list of a few things that occurred in March 2020. Most I never thought I would see in my lifetime. The lowest gas price in my hometown was $1.61 yesterday. When students left the hallways for spring break, they did not know they likely wouldn’t return this semester and classes would move online. Many graduation ceremonies are postponed or cancelled. Social-distancing, self-isolation and shelter in place are our new normal. Curbside pickup and online shopping are the new source for basic household needs. Non-essential stores and businesses mandated closed causing unemployment numbers to spike. Parks and trails locked up, while many cities are on complete lockdown. Entire sports seasons cancelled. As well as concerts, entertainment events, weddings, family celebrations, holiday gatherings – all cancelled. Church services and funerals are taking place online. Panic buying sets in and there is no toilet paper, no disinfecting supplies, no paper towels, no laundry soap and no hand sanitizer - shelves are bare. Manufacturers, distilleries and other businesses switch their lines to help make visors, masks, hand sanitizer and PPE due to shortages. We learn who are considered “essential” workers because they possess a “letter”. This is the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic, declared March 11th, 2020. Why do I share this? One day it will show up as a memory. A distant memory of how the world came together to fight an invisible monster. A reminder life is precious, and the little things should never be taken for granted. A reflection of how much we have all changed from going through this.