Is wearing a mask that hard for you? (Corona Virus May 2020)

Being old has advantages; the government gives us money because we’re old. Most people like me have to live on this, but the smart ones put away retirement savings. I spent mine traveling the world. Am I sorry I did that, probably, but I visited Stonehenge in England, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and best of all, the Pyramids of Egypt! Na.. I’m not sorry. It was thrilling, and the pyramids were always on my bucket list.

Singapore, Australia, and Africa, and of course England, are forever etched into my memories.  Making those memories was me, it is a means to an end, and I sit here this morning contemplating my end. This coronavirus is very real to me, I’m one of those who wear a mask and I’m uneasy around a lot of people. We live our lives a certain way, and along comes a virus dictating how we can live.

It has been over two months now, and the restrictions this virus has dictated are starting to wear on those who are young and invincible.

This mode of thinking has entered my life, my little circle or realm, if you will. Wearing a mask and opening up the economy are starting to become an issue for some. While most understand the need for caution, some resent having to make accommodations for the good of all. When you are young and in your prime, you feel invincible, nothing can hurt you… It’s like “alright, enough of this,” let’s get on with life. It is indeed our older generation that is most likely to die from this virus; that is a fact.

I am being very cautious, I guess I’m not ready to kick the bucket yet. Don’t get me wrong, though, if I get hit by a bus or die in a car crash… I have lived my life as best I know how. Dying by something like cancer or a heart attack is also acceptable. It is this virus that I can’t accept, if I can avoid it. I would like to stay around a little longer. I need to leave my little granddaughter a sense of having had an amazing Nana in her life, that’s all.

Being locked into a demographic is kinda disheartening, but it’s a fact, and we can’t change facts. We are now in that category where the very young and the very old are susceptible to whatever virus is making the rounds. What is most disheartening, and I had a run-in with it this weekend, is the attitude towards our predicament. It is the younger generation that is resentful of all these precautions to stop this virus from spreading. They are young and virile and have no fear. It’s affecting their way of life and living.

I wear a mask when shopping, and I hate going into crowded places.. I’m trying to stay as safe as I can. I will not let anyone into my home… this is my safe space, my haven, if you will. Having coffee a few times with my cousins and a couple of girlfriends has been the extent of my social life. These coffee breaks have taken place outdoors and with social distancing. I have felt safe and not worried about being compromised. I spent a weekend at the lake with my kids, but only when it was allowed to expand our circle to include family.

Taking our chances going back into the real world is just that.. taking our chances. What I very much object to and resent is the derisive comments about these precautions. Telling old people to just stay home is not only disrespectful but unfair. Did you know that the influenza pandemic of 1918 infected one-third of the world? The only difference with that influenza is that it began striking down hardy and completely healthy young adults, and 20 to 50 million lost their lives.  Five hundred million had been infected. We have no clue about deadly viruses. Well, AIDS was pretty scary, and we did muddle our way through that.

I don’t want to die from a stupid virus, period. I will protect myself and you as well by wearing a mask and doing what is necessary to keep us safe. I will not listen to whining or complaining or derisive comments about this stop-gap measure. Those who complain about wearing a mask probably don’t use condoms either… just saying. I’m just one of how many old people who helped build this economy and this country

Please don’t be disrespectful to us.

copyright

May 17th 2020