Regarding vision: I need new glasses.
I purchased the ones I’m wearing three years ago, about a year after completing several months of chemotherapy. I’m not surprised that my vision has changed since then. I am surprised that distance vision has improved.
I take my glasses off when I drive, a no-no in the sight of the law. If the DMV ever opens again, I’m going to run right down, take the test, and get the corrective lenses restriction taken off my license.
If the ophthalomologist ever opens again, I’m going to run right down and get a new prescription—clear glass (polycarbonate?), with a near vision bifocal.
Although, who knows? Given enough time, maybe the near vision will straighten itself out, too.
Regarding victims: I’m not one.
I’m sitting in my living room with husband and cats, a view of trees and grass, occasionally a dog leashed to its walker, squirrels skittering by. TV, laptop, e-reader, wi-fi. Food on the shelf and on order, retailers ready to ship or deliver. Taking care of myself, being taken care of.
I’m not having the time of my life. I miss sitting in a coffee shop with my critique group, attending Sisters in Crime meetings, wandering through bookstores, going to movies, doing what I want, when I want. I need a haircut and some new clothes, or I would need new clothes if I were going anywhere.
I’m classed as high-risk, so venturing out can be scary. I’m sad. I’m worried. Some days I’m depressed. I can’t imagine a future any different from today.
I’m angry at government corruption and mismanagement and negligence in the face of the pandemic. I’m angry at ignorance and stupidity and selfishness and cruelty displayed by people old enough and smart enough to do better. I’m angry at the arrogance of Rugged Individualists who proclaim that the government has no responsibility at all in this crisis, that each person is responsible for his own survival, period.
In fact, I’m a lot of things.
But so what?
I haven’t lost my job. I’m not waiting for an overdue unemployment check or worrying that my business will fail. I’m not a single parent homeschooling my children while working from home, or while not working at all.
I’m not a doctor or nurse or respiratory therapist. I don’t clean hospital rooms or keep the A/C operating. I don’t do other essential work and wonder if my mask and gloves are protecting me, and whom I need protection against.
A friend’s mother has died of COVID-19. A former student, now a medical doctor, has COVID. A cousin can’t visit her husband at the nursing home where he lives; they’ve been married more than sixty years, and she can’t visit him.
I haven’t lost someone I love. I haven’t been barred from seeing someone I love.
My husband is here with me and he’s well.
I’m bored, and I need a haircut.
If I want to be a victim, I’ll have to come up with a lot better excuse than that.
Regarding videos: Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it’s good for the immune system and the emotions and can be an effective painkiller, and a movie that makes you laugh is a joy forever.
My favorite old joys forever:
The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming
And a favorite new joy, The Imposters. It’s so funny, it ought to be old.*
*The Imposters was released in 1998, but I didn’t hear about it for a long time.
My Fellow Americans was released in 1996, so maybe it’s new.
Kathy Waller 