Well, here we are going into the fourth week of isolation. I still make a trip to the grocery store once a week.  I’ve given up using gloves, because they make my hands sweat profusely and eventually fall off anyway.  I tried to wear a bandana over my face, as per the latest suggestion.  It too caused me to sweat and slipped down to my chin almost instantly.  There’s something that psychologically plays tricks on the mind and body of an elderly woman.  Hormones make us heat up like a frog on a hot skillet.  I’ve grown accustomed to that change.

Still in venturing out, I feel almost like I’m committing a crime.  There are other ways to get my groceries, I suppose, but I still like to see what I’m buying before I pay out any of my Social Security income.

Yesterday we ventured out for a drive.  It appeared that many others were doing the same thing.  The further into the country we got, the more traffic there was.  Gas prices have dropped, but we haven’t had to fill the tank in over a month.

The only thing I’m sad about is not being able to physically be with family, friends and those I work and pray with.  I enjoy hugs.  I love being able to look in a person’s eyes and communicate one on one.  Technology has its benefits, but there’s nothing like the personal touch.

I’m sure many families are feeling overwhelmed by the closeness of family right now.  Sharing work spaces, togetherness to the max, sleeping too long and spending even more time in front of a computer.  It reminds me of some of the family vacations we took in our van.  Close quarters for hundreds of miles, singing camp songs, making disgusting sounds and well – too much us.  However all that together time is something our children will remember for a lifetime.

Yesterday, being Palm Sunday and not singing “Hosanna in the Highest,” was difficult.  Having just the memory of children marching into church waving palm branches wasn’t the same.  This week is Holy Week on the Christian calendar and it’s like no other Holy Week we’ve ever observed.  We’ve spent most of the Lenten season in the wilderness.  It’s been a time to contemplate, to re-evaluate our lives – repent and ask forgiveness from our God and focus on the  Savior of the world.  That’s a good thing.

I heard someone suggest that on Easter Sunday at 10AM, we should all step outside, stay on our front lawns or porches and sing “Amazing Grace,” at the top of our lungs.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that went viral and hearts were changed because of it.  We may be cloistered now, but when this is over, I pray that life as we knew it will change for the better.