This year, 2020, will certainly go down in the history books as a one-way roller coaster ride, all downhill. At the very least, it has been way beyond stressful for most people. What we took for granted in 2019, will never again be a sure thing. Jobs and education have been put on hold. Daycare for children and the infirm have not been available for those who need it. Families and friends have become separated during times of joyful occasions and times of sorrow. The simple act of a hug or kiss could turn deadly.
Little annoyances have turned into bigger ones. Delivery services are overburdened and have overtaken their capacity to deliver goods on time. It isn’t a major issue if the shoes you ordered arrive two days later than promised but it could impact a person who needs their medication. With a major upcoming election, some voters are unsure if mail-in ballots will arrive in time to be counted. Even with the shadow of the coronavirus lurking, I believe many of us will stand in line and vote at designated polling places rather than take the slight risk of our vote not tabulated.
Grocery shopping has become one of my major annoyances. Well, actually, it’s always been near the top of my list. Sure, wear the mask and fluctuate between a panic attack and respiratory distress. I understand that spreading germs is bad! Limiting the number of customers inside at one time is a good idea, keeping people spread out. Then why, when I’m trying to get my groceries and get out quickly, do these customers have to congregate in the middle of an aisle and discuss the day’s activities while blocking anyone from getting around them. Half the store is empty! They see me! They can’t be blind and deaf to my “excuse me’s.” They just ignore me and keep talking while pushing their young children back into the carts to sit next to the heads of lettuce and boxes of cereal.
I’ve tried eye contact and raising my voice. What if I say something that annoys one of them or is construed as offensive? My next instinct is to push my cart into their “cone of conversation” circle and see if that gets any attention but I suspect a riot and a food fight might be frowned upon by the establishment. I worry too about our location. Throwing bags of hamburger buns and dark rye bread is one thing but I’m trapped near the canned vegetables and soup. Things could get ugly! I could retreat, and go back the way I came from but that would mean I would be going against the direction the arrows are pointed. If I’m apprehended by one of the store’s employees, they might disinfect me and make me start all over. I could get stuck behind one of those people who have to pick up every bunch of bananas, looking for the perfect one or worse, a cantaloupe smeller. Sweat is beading down my forehead and collecting on the rim of my mask. What if I scream and yell that I’m having a heart attack? Will someone get me through to the frozen foods section? I just want my ice cream!!!
Seriously, with more people returning to work and schools trying to return to some sort of normal, we have a chance to calm down and stop taking our frustrations out on others. Local schools around here are gearing up for Friday night football, and other activities are starting up on a limited, safe basis. We are getting into a “places to go and things to do” mode that can have a calming effect on many of us. Life isn’t going to suddenly change for the better but let’s strive for not making it worse.
September reminds us that cooler temperatures are on the way and perhaps cooler dispositions will follow. Yes, we’ve got many problems to solve; let us strive for sorting things out in less destructive ways.
“Stay with me a while
I only wanna talk to you
We've traveled halfway 'round the world
To find ourselves again”
Neil Diamond September Morn
Stay safe. Wear a smile under your mask. No one will see it but you’ll feel better and they’ll never know what you’re thinking as you pass them down Grocery Aisle 5.
Sharon