Wanted: Fierce Dragon Grandma for Help with Pandemic
that drastic action was needed.
I know that Trump was wrong. The contrary evidence was overwhelming. Yet I desperately needed to believe that the virus would peter out on its own, as he insisted it would, because I wanted my old life back. With each wave of closures, I asked myself the same question a friend’s kid asked after he got a new sibling, “Why can’t I get what I want, when I want it, anymore.”
Because it is bad for you and everyone else, that’s why. I am self-centered and short-sighted, which is to say I am a human being ruled by my immediate desires. Give my long-term interests precedence over what I want in the moment? Really? Speaking in another context entirely, John Maynard Keynes captured my outlook well: “In the long-run we are all dead.” So, seize the day even if that means there is no tomorrow, I tell myself.
That I was reassured by President Trump cavalierly poo-pooing the Corona virus is a clear sign
Fortunately, many governments and private organizations disagreed. They acted decisively to induce me to be sensible and stay home. Public health officials were right that only widespread closures would work. Partial closures leave too many loopholes for someone like me. With my wife and daughter home from work and school, respectively, my first instinct is to do all the things we don’t have time for usually. Go out to eat, see some shows, do exercise classes, go to parties, attend sporting events. No better time than now. We won’t have to wait for a table or have trouble parking. Risk of infection? I am sure they use hand sanitizer.
Reactions to the virus in many countries and in states like mine, Illinois, show how governments and private organizations can contour choices, so that individuals choose more wisely. I learned this lesson during my first experience with a quarantine twenty years ago.
Our son was born with several defects in his throat and airways. After two major surgeries, he was released from the NICU with a very stern warning from the lead surgeon. Allow no outside contact. And anyone in contact with him, even yourselves, must take a range of special precautions, such as wearing a gown, gloves, and a face mask. In his condition, she emphasized, a respiratory virus or infection could be life-threatening.
Alright then, pretty clear directives. Powerful incentive. As my Dad always said, it’s not the risk, but the size of the bet that matters.
BUT we wanted to share our new baby with family and friends. Fortunately for us and for our son, my mother-in-law Aleta was visiting to help with the baby.
A tiny thing she was, 5′ 2″ at the most, with a sweet smile and gentle demeanor. Yet the warning from the surgeon transformed her into a “Fierce Dragon Grandma,” who stood resolutely at the door and turned away all comers. She didn’t flinch, as I would have, allowing myself to be persuaded to let people see him, hold him, stroke his head, as everyone is wont to do with a new baby.
Sadly, she is gone now. Fortunately, others are stepping in to force me to do the right thing during this quarantine.
I am settling in to new normal, still chafing against all the closings and restrictions. I would give anything to have my old life back. But, of course, that’s why everything is closed.
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