We knew it would happen - we just didn't know when. Friday, as I was getting my first dose of chemo, we had our first confirmed cases of Covid-19 on base. There is a lot of rumor and speculation about who and where and how many - but the number of cases in Kosovo OVERALL have more than doubled this week, and at least 40 of them were attributed to our little town.
So....in this screenplay that is my current life (because it's far too SURREAL to be REAL) we now have added conflict. The constant risk of infection. But rather than zombies, we have a ton of young soldiers who feel immortal acting stupidly - the same way we acted stupidly when we were young and invincible - forgoing distancing rules, daring the God of Corona to defy their strength of) will!
(Incidentally - if my life were truly a screenplay, and you weren't allowed to play yourself in it - who would you cast as YOU? Or ME? I'm soooooo curious to hear your thoughts!)
Ominous music begins to build in the background. All the dining facilities are closed. We've been reduced to pre-distributed Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MRE's). Mail has ceased in case packages carry the contagion. If you see another person walking down the dirt roadways on base, if they don't IMMEDIATELY increase their distance to at least 15 feet there's a sense of danger and malicious intent. Nobody makes eye contact.
Actually, this dramatic scenario sounds more interesting than my actual life right now. I'm isolated 24/7 for my own protection - either in my office if I'm feeling up to it, or in my barracks room. I've been fighting some mild side effects from the chemo - but so far, nothing too awful. (Ask me tomorrow when my anti-nausea drugs and steroids have run out and I may say differently) My teeth hurt and it feels like someone is jamming an ice pick into my ear, but really - that's not so bad compared to what I've read about online.
When I'm too tired to work - I nap, I read, hang out on YouTube, paint, write notes to the people I'm missing, and daydream about all the things that I'm going to do when the treatments are over. When the borders have opened. When the virus is somewhat under control. When hugs are allowed and not a perceived attack. When clothes don't have to be discarded in a mud room to prevent infection from entering the house.
It does seem so very surreal this world we're living in right now. But WHATEVER comes next, I can see amazing things ahead. I can see us continuing to appreciate the folks keeping us going during difficult times (health care workers, sanitary workers, mail carriers) - I can see us tipping waitresses better because we actually appreciate the opportunity to sit down for a meal at a restaurant. Broadway shows are going to be a miraculous evening of magic that right now seems virtually impossible, but yet we WILL find our way back to that joy and that light.
It may look a little different - I REALLY hope it does. I'd like to keep experiencing the beautiful air, and the gorgeous seas. But whatever it is, we will come through these trials stronger for it.
Living or Dead Actors on the Who Plays You on the Screen Play?
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