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We’re sharing some of your dispatches from around the globe about life in the time of coronavirus.
Today, we have Nancy Tolson, of Indianapolis.
I am 84 with mild C.O.P.D. I live alone, and believe me, since late February, that is completely alone! I want to stay alive long enough to see my great-grandchildren again, and I have determined that it will take a year or more to do so. I will continue my social distancing until there is a vaccine. Fortunately, I drive, and can pick up grocery items outside the store. I get meds at the drive-through.
I spend my days reading, talking by phone with family and with friends I haven’t been in touch with until recently, watching some TV (never the White House briefings!), and keeping in touch with various groups by email. I am finishing the wonderful book by John Meacham, “The Soul of America.”
My biggest concern is that I am not able to visit my two CASA cases. I am a volunteer for Child Advocates, and our responsibility is to watch over children and youth in foster care, making sure that they are safe and secure. I would normally visit my homes at least once a month, but now cannot do so. I am speaking with them by phone, but this is not as satisfactory since it is important to get visuals about how they look, react, etc.
As for my mental state, I am content most of the time. I do tear up at some of the public announcements from stations, businesses and individuals when they send love and good wishes, but I have learned one thing in 84 years: This too shall pass.
Have you come up with a clever way to manage social distancing? How’s that distance learning going? We want to hear it. Email us at onpolitics@nytimes.com. (Don’t forget to include your name and where you live.)
