By now I don’t have to
do a background on COVID-19 do I? We’re
probably all weary of the news, numbers, and how everyone is coping with being
isolated from family and friends. Basically it sucks! But if my staying put means I keep one
medical staffer safe, or reduce the strain on emergency supplies, then it’s a
small price to pay.
So, ‘nuff about COVID –
other than to say it took the wind right out of my retirement sails!
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Yes, my long
anticipated day of freedom from the corporate world was to be March 31 2020.
But global events put a crimp in that date!
Began the first week of March, when our whole floor (approx. 200 people)
was quarantined for 14 days due to one staff member testing positive for
COVID-19. The push was then on to have everyone geared up to work from home.
Something so many of us had wanted for years and if in place earlier might have
meant I would have stayed a little longer.
Back at work on Monday
March 23 with only a handful of us on the floor. As I was due to be gone the
following week it was decided working from home not an option for me. Vacation time was owed me, so my last
official day was Thursday March 26.
Hardly anyone to say good bye to, and definitely no hugs. We all walked
around each other at arm’s length and
waved goodbye from a distance. A deflated, anti-climactic end to almost 22
years with the bank. The planned retirement celebration lunch was cancelled.
Apparently to be re-arranged at a later date – perhaps by Christmas???
And oh the irony. Pam
has been anxiously awaiting my freedom from 9-5 so we could have regular “JT
days” and now we can’t get together! We
have video conferencing as next best option. And it’s been working with our
Genre5 Author group to provide the 5 of us with a weekly chat. Video
conferencing has been a great option for family gatherings as well.
Have to admit though I’ve
been finding it hard to settle down to write. Our work in progress, “Beholden
To None” is under edit now. We’ve had great feedback from two beta readers and are working through the
suggestions for the third draft. I’m grateful that Pam and I do have the
ability to work online, but it doesn’t compare to the face to face environment.
It’s so hard not being
able to get together with family and friends. But at least my linen closet, pantry, and CD collection
are now organized. I may have to do a toothpick inventory later this week –
depending on my schedule of course.
Our Genre5 group are
participating in a group writing exercise for fun. Will let you know how that
turns out. I liked the idea so much, I started a similar activity with some
willing family members.
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| Genre5 Author Group - Donna Warner, Liz Lindsay, Donna Houghton, Gloria Ferris, Pam Blance |
And I’ve taken to
journaling this past month. Wish I’d started sooner, but am finding that it’s
become both a good outlet for my writing and satisfying as a potential
documentation of these historic days we are in. And there you have it – right back
to COVID-19 again!
I rest my case. This
pandemic colours everything we do right now. So I’ll finish by reiterating my
appreciation for front line workers. Hospital medical staff, emergency responders,
transit operators, truck drivers and retail workers.
I have a beautiful
daughter-in-law who is a nurse in our city's General Hospital, and my wonderful husband drives a city bus here as well.
Both literally risk their lives each day they work. Love you both so much.
When will normal
return? No one knows, but I will do my part and know that the sun will shine,
social distancing will end and books will be read!
Stay safe, keep
healthy.
Liz
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