Measuring with a hockey stick feels very Canadian
Readers share their thoughts, feelings, experiences and observations about the COVID-19 crisis.
LET’S KEEP OUR WALKS CANADIAN
When taking my 87-year-old mother for her daily walk, I bring with us a hockey stick to maintain social distance. Not only does this respect the guidelines, using a hockey stick feels very Canadian! Liana Rubin, Côte-st-luc
‘LOVE HAS SUSTAINED OUR SPIRITS’
I call them “Check–in–charlie’s” — my daily evening calls to each of our three sons so I can hear their voices and learn how they have coped with the challenges of the day as they do their best to stay healthy, tend to the needs of their loved ones and remain financially afloat.
As for my husband and me, we have celebrated the end of our self-imposed 14-day quarantine because of our advanced age. We plan to continue to respect the health directives for as long as it takes.
What has helped us to survive these days is that we established from the onset a mutually agreeable discipline and routine. In the morning, we shower and dress (no slovenly appearance for self-respect and respect of partner). Beds are made.
Breakfast is prepared. Dishes are done. We then go to our designated space in the apartment where each will be busy with their chosen assignment of the day.
Mine always starts with writing in my journal — a life-affirming discipline I adopted some 42 years ago. It is the place where I faithfully note thoughts, feelings, hopes, and prayers — especially during crisis times such as the one we are now living.
We have approached this imposed hibernation as a gift of hours to tackle so many chores we had neglected for the last four years. After moving from our home of 37 years to our condo, we did not always have the luxury of time to do so. I am so relieved to have finally emptied five bins of books, notes, photos, cards, etc.
They are now duly placed and classified. It is love, however, which above all has sustained our spirits. On my birthday, which could not by duly celebrated, our youngest son and his girlfriend sang outside my balcony, accompanied by balloon and a bouquet of flowers.
More recently, our middle son and his two sons came to the parking lot behind our condo to wave and assure us that all is well.
The eldest of our sons, who lives out of town, sends us much humorous emails as he feels laughter to be an important survival tool.
Ultimately, as our humanity is being tested once again, I must continue to believe in the strength of the human spirit and our will to survive. Hopefully we will have learned some valuable lessons that will inspire us to renew our efforts and help us to create a better tomorrow.
Vivianne M. Silver, Côte-st-luc
FAMILY GATHERINGS SORELY MISSED
My wife and I, both of us 60-somethings and the target of what conspiracy theorists are calling the “boomer remover” virus, used to host family dinners on Wednesday nights (the most convenient night all around) for our three 30-ish children, their significant others and all and sundry.
Until March 17. Then the government asked citizens not to gather, self-isolate whenever possible and wash our hands often in an effort to blunt the curve of the spreading coronavirus. These were happy gatherings for all, and invariably we hosted family and friends from far and wide, including such places as Bermuda and Vancouver.
Many generations gathered at our home to share our achievements, our foibles, our day to day lives and maybe a glass of wine or two. The fare was varied, what with the vegans, vegetarians, lactoseand gluten-intolerant in the mix, but the atmosphere of loved ones gathered around is something invaluable and I miss it.
What I miss most are the hugs and smiles and the general good feelings that come with those simple, but profound, acts — a testament to the kind of society we have produced.
I look forward to the day that this scourge has passed and we can get back to the things that sustain and uplift each of us and collectively. Robert Sutherland, N.D.G.
How are you dealing with life in the shadow of COVID-19? We’re inviting you to share your thoughts, feelings, experiences and observations with other readers.
Please send submissions of under 400 words to letters@montrealgazette.com Please put “Montreal Stories” in the subject line and include your name and the name of the municipality or neighbourhood where you live. Shorter submissions may be considered for use as letters to the editor.