Charlotte's Future

A Pandemic Reflection

What a tough time for parents and grandparents! This week more than 100 colleges and universities cancelled or "paused" this semester's classes. Surely, more schools and workplaces will follow. Take caution rather than have irreversible, even fatal, consequences. Don't tempt fate for a moment's joy or vacation. It could be your last. 

Forbes: At Least 135 Colleges Have Canceled In-Person Classes (So Far) Over Coronavirus Fear

What is it like for both parents and their kids? What will the future hold?

As high school and college seniors and their parents begin to think of a semester without graduation, senior week pride, and ceremonies of joy and accomplishment, I wonder what the future holds for my nephew, his wife, and their little Charlotte. What kind of world will she live in? Will there be a normalcy somewhat familiar to us? We feared the monsters in our closets. Will she fear the coronavirus on doorknobs for years to come? 

They prognosticators claim that our normal will return. Movement, commuting and travel in the world might resemble old patterns. Yet, how much will our inner dialogues will  change?

Yesterday, Alan and I were in Plymouth, purchasing groceries to stockpile essentials for the foreseeable future. En route we passed this street sign. Later, we returned to the corner in order to capture our hearts and thoughts:  We're thinking of our loved ones -- family and friends -- both near and far.