Lately I feel like I’ve entered an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” The 1959-64 television series would start with Rod Serling offering a unique quote to begin the show. I feel like every news conference from our current leadership should begin with something like this…. “It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.”
I’m not sure I’ve felt this unsure of what the day will bring in my entire life. Since the first of March I’ve watched every sport worth watching cancel the tournaments, start of seasons or ending a season early. We’ve watched our leadership go from telling us not to worry as warm weather would kill the virus to we have entered a time of an international pandemic. What will be next?
State leaders have cancelled schools for a month, the legislature has excused the students absences and I can no longer go the Cooney’s for a cocktail and conversation. I’ve watched my favorite restaurants close with no idea how to make enough money to pay bills much less their staff. No one in leadership at any level seems to know what to do next - the perfect example of functioning without a plan. I’d blame it on the current republican leadership but I’m not sure the democrats have offered much direction either. Stay tuned there will be another press conference soon.
Once again business leaders seem far more prepared then our elected leaders. Apple did the unthinkable last Friday night. Announcing all stores outside of central China were closing for two weeks and they will pay their staff during the closings. They’ve been followed by many other major retailers. These are amazing developments and should be recognized as true leadership. We should remember these leaders as we shop in the future.
By comparison state governors have sort of adopted the strategy of “what is that state doing?” Illinois and Ohio were the first to enact ways to keep people home and away from others. First thought crazy has become the norm. Iowa announced it’s policy of closing schools for 4 weeks but businesses for two weeks. We heard all gatherings of 50 or more should be cancelled, or was it 10.
I’ve been to the grocery store to find empty shelves especially the paper product aisle. The current virus does not list diarrhea as a symptom but try to find a roll of toilet paper on the grocery shelf. For the first time I witnessed a guy getting rolls of toilet paper as a gift. What are we thinking? How much longer can this last and will we ever find our grocery stores as we remember them?
By age I’m in the higher risk zone but how I feel doesn’t match. I guess I should be careful in case how I feel catches up with my age.
I’m worried about the future. I fear this two week moratorium will lead to something longer. Leadership has given me no hope of anything else. Our physical health is important but what about our mental health? What about those that live alone, those in senior centers cut off from family and friends, kids staying away from schools and their friends, workers that depend on social interaction at their place of employment - how will these situations impact them?
I guess time will tell.
Stay tuned……
Be safe - stay well!
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