Fear strikes out
Funny how in the absence of absolute scientific proof, we devolve into a society of fear. Egged on by clickbait anti-science. Media… loving to breathlessly pump up panic. Yes, smear 1 million virus particles on an Amazon package and at least one single virus particle remains detectable after 24 hours. Don’t mention that you would need to scoop up 1,500 or maybe 15,000 virus particles and deposit them in your eyes to become infected. Fear. Or the even more ridiculous, those postulating that the virus is dangerous in the fresh air at the beach. Or in the waves.
Fear. Sometime a good thing. If you lived in New York City during this pandemic. But here on the shores of Lake Michigan? Holed up in your house for months on end? Afraid to even walk outside? Unhealthy and so sad.
Dogs need it, so do humans
We have been to a beach or our private dog park multiple times a day since this all started. Socially distancing, but loving the outdoors. And being social. Making new friends at the dog park. Those evenings have become important to our mental health.
This weekend three of our four kids, and their families, blessed us with a surprise visit. Such a fantastic time. Salmon fishing, boardwalk strolls and just being social with family. But yes, being safe. Even wearing masks on the boat.
I cringed when I saw video of the Lake of the Ozarks parties. Foolish lack of social distancing. But I understand the feeling and desire. We are social creatures. We crave the human touch. Even if it is six feet distant.
Tell me in a world without pity
Do you think what I’m askin’s too much?
I just want something to hold on to
And a little of that Human Touch
Just a little of that Human Touch
…..
Oh girl that feeling of safety you prize
Well it comes with a hard hard price
You can’t shut off the risk and the pain
Without losin’ the love that remains
We’re all riders on this train
At what cost?
Yes, the feeling of safety comes with a hard hard price. I think of the unfortunate people who have been sheltering in place to the extreme for months now. What have they risked or lost? We are so incredibly fortunate to be here. But even in Grand Haven, the fear has taken a toll. And the full price has yet to be paid.
I keep hearing old songs with new meaning in the age of the virus. Sing it Bruce.