Keeping My Family Safe
It was a cold and rainy Thursday morning and I was on my way to a local grocery store in hopes to grab food and supplies for my family. As I parked my car, I prepared myself with a list in hand and the hopes of not getting drenched from the rain. After a deep breath, I got out of my car and ran to the front of the store. I was relieved I didn't get too wet, but I wasn't prepared for the empty shelves and endless lines as I walked inside the store. It hit me for the first time that life had truly changed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Even though the majority of cases have resulted in mild symptoms, the Coronavirus has shown its ability to be fatal, especially to people older than 60. California has shut down its schools and non-essential businesses, so I’ve spent the majority of my time with my grandparents. I cook, clean and get groceries for them to make sure they stay safe at home. Luckily, they live only a few miles away from me which makes it easy to check-in and see if they need anything.
During the first few weeks when the virus was still in its early stages overseas, my initial thoughts were not to be worried. I didn't believe that the virus could spread so fast, but I was wrong. Now, I would be lying if I didn't tell you I was uneasy about my family’s situation.
Just last week, my Grandfather had back surgery that has left him bedridden as he recovers. After the surgery, he was required to be tested for the virus and the results came back negative. I also have older family members in the Palm Springs area that have been advised to shelter in place after three cases were confirmed in the Coachella Valley. I have been in contact with them to see if they are doing well with their situation.
During these challenging times, I think it’s important to check-in with friends and family members to see how they are doing. I’m thankful for the people that I have in my life and it’s been a bright spot for me during this difficult time.
The idea of uncertainty about our future is causing many people, including myself, to be uneasy and it shows. I have seen the news reports about panic buying but I never would have thought that every store would have a line outside to enter and supplies like water and toilet paper would be hard to find. But this is life now and I have to make sure I get what I need for my family. So now when I go to my local grocery store, I wake up around 6:30 a.m. and drive to the store to wait in line for those essential supplies.
I can’t imagine how older people who may have difficulty walking or standing are handling the situations at grocery stores now. I’m lucky enough to be able to help my grandparents so they don’t need to be in line standing for long periods of time or not getting the supplies they need.
As we have seen, the coronavirus has changed our lives dramatically but during these challenging times, it’s important to understand the importance of family. For me, even though I have family in different parts of the country, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help out my family any way I can.
