By The Numbers COVID-19 Reflections

Reminiscing… The dreadful horror of the pandemic (COVID-19) caught everyone by surprise. We found out how quickly our lives would change, to new adjustments in our daily, monthly, and yearly living standards. This became a period in time that would never be forgotten. Time is relevant in how it is used. I was raised to never ‘Waste’ time. Time is valuable. Be more productive. Think of something to do… . The COVID-19 pandemic provided many aspects in time evaluation for many people, my self included. It forced me to make my time more worthwhile in being productive. First year of COVID-19 had us all isolated—quarantined to our homes, for some of us ‘self-imprisonment.’ Everyone throughout the nation—world was in ‘Lock-Down’ mode, or should I address it as ‘Locked-Up,’ into our home sanctuaries. No one could go anywhere, there was no where to go. The COVID, demon profusely dominated our lives. We had to learn new standards for survival. Washing our hands more often, wearing a mask, and keeping a safe ‘social’ distance from our family and friends became rules for the new ‘standard’ way of life—world wide. Simple tasks became difficult, and difficult tasks became unthinkable. People were forced into quarantine after being diagnosed with the virus, and some would simply ‘self-quarantine’ in order to avoid getting the virus. No doubt, these situations created many emotions, frustrations, feelings of isolation, and loneliness. Many people were at their wits-end, trying to cope with all the unrest, uncertainty, and devastating changes. I also coped with the same emotions and frustrations. My usual social life of visiting friends and dating had come to a definite end. Dating a new acquaintance was no longer. If, and when my dating life would resume, there would be worrisome questions. I would become a question mark of fear. I would wonder if my new companion is vaccinated or not. Do I present my new acquaintance with a two page health questionnaire, or do I assume all is well? In the time of COVID, making assumptions could be dangerous. Being in home quarantine was somewhat easy for me. Even to some point, more peaceful, a state of calm. I live alone. No pets—not even a gold fish. My time was suited to my schedule, no shower today, no shaving for the next 2-3 days, or a week. (After a week, I could no longer tolerate the whiskers). I read a lot, finally got to my fine books of my home library. I also watched a lot of TV and DVD movies. (I love TV. I love movies). Most of all, being a news junkie, I watched a lot of news, everything from local to world news, in order to be more ‘informed’ of COVID…and more distraught, the news was depressing. I observed how people were reacting to this whole situation. After all, this was a time of ever changing events. A shocking process of coming and goings in a fish bowl whirlwind of disparity. Passages of time, past to present and seeking answers for a brighter future. Times were changing emotionally, politically, scientifically, medically and religiously. Emotions were obvious, when dealing with pain, suffering and death. Everyone has different emotions. Everyone deals with sorrow in their own way. Sorrow can get to me easily and often it did, especially when COVID took the life of a friend of 57 years. Tim McCarthy. Even with his high intellect, wit and poise, he succumbed. Tim had been a restaurant colleague, and a charmed giant who stood six feet five inches. Even with his size and strength, he was weakened by the virus. His death was an enormous blow, and I was overtaken by sorrow. In June of 2021, I got the COVID virus after returning from a vacation trip to Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee. I wore my mask often, especially in the airports and on the plane. But still, somehow I got the virus. Blame it on the airports, airplane, people or maybe the food I ate. Just guessing here, take my pick. Fortunately, being vaccinated did help. The ER doctor prescribed quarantine for seven days. I wanted to make sure I was ‘Healthy,’ so I stayed inside two extra days. After nine days of being COVID safe, I was vaccinated and medicated with the help of Paxlovid. I remain a ‘Believer.’ Medically the vaccine worked for me. I have a few friends who are highly educated, who are not believers and therefore, not vaccinated. I love my friends. I respect their opinions, but I am upset they question this arena of medical know-ledge with proof of impact and importance from the vaccine. My friends are not stupid or ignorant, yet I am offended by their lack of trust, confidence, and belief in this medical issue of expertise. The data is the proof. The living are the proof. I cannot change their views, nor will I try—well, I might try, I love my friends. Earlier, I mentioned religion and ‘believers’ and ‘non-believers.’ Faith is vital to the power of confidence and strength. I am not a high-brow ‘Praise the Lord,’ Bible-Totin, preaching type person, never have been, never will be. I am a Christian, raised as a Catholic. I trust my faith in God for guidance, strong will, and my passion in loving life. I am willing to bet, during this dark pandemic period of sadness, loss of life, and uncertainty, many people found or returned to God. Perhaps for them, is a source to regain in the growth of faith and salvation. A way to cope, lean, and remain vigilant. I never left religion, it has always had a way in giving me guidance and nurturing my daily direction, just as it did during the pandemic. Still keeping the faith …the rest is up to God. Three years have passed, it is now 2023. Time moves on. We still feel controlled by a new form of adapting, adjusting—change. Many people have become more relaxed in their thinking, and seeking a new normal standard of life. Still, we need to stay reminded that COVID-19 is still with us. Since the beginning of COVID-19 in 2019, San Diego County has recorded approximately 5,700 deaths, and world wide, 6.7 million people have died. (San Diego Union-Tribune, 2-28-2023) To date, 2,200 Californians have died, averaging 22 deaths per day. (San Diego Union-Tribune 2-24-2023) We have all been affected and reacted in many different ways to the pandemic. Looking back, I am still reflecting, calculating, and adjusting to current time modes. I have mentioned my observations with the assistants of data and statistics in order to validate them. Undoubtedly, I could have presented much more data with more statistics, but then my book would have become an encyclopedia. Dolly Parton once said, “Adjusting to the passages of time is a way to success and to life: Just being able to roll with the punches.” (San Diego Union-Tribune 2-4-2022) No doubt, the pandemic has been a big punch to our guts, our beings. In whichever time period, name phase of variants, Delta or Omicron has forced us to adjust to rolling with the punches… . As a creative, I wanted to express my feelings visually through photography. Photographing people, places, and situations was my way of expressing, sharing, and in time, remembering how this monster virus affected us all. Photography was my way of rolling with the punches. Hopefully, my images will reflect and relate how important life is valued and remind us that we are together as ‘ONE’ within life. May we all continue to enjoy and cherish the beauty of life. A new beginning.