Covid 19: Leaving Paradise

This morning we are packing up to leave paradise and return to a changed city. Living in the moment has always been easier on Valdes and yet even here I have been navigating intense emotions. 

I received an email from our friend Paolo in Northern Italy to let me know that he is safe. His only advice, echoed voices broadcasting from all over Italy: “follow the isolation rules, we didn’t.”  

I am left with the unsettling realization that I cannot convince even some of my close friends to do this. So many people bend or break the rules that don’t work for them. 

At least our small community on Valdes has been social distancing well. Each afternoon, if the weather permits,  a small group of us meet on the beach at a safe distance to drink a beer and listen to the daily briefing of the provincial Health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. Dr. Henry, we are listening. 

 There is such a close relationship between fear and anger. When something feels wrong, and it definitely does, I want to blame and become  enraged by the actions or inactions of others. Underneath the anger, I am anxious and scared of what is to come. 

As Dr. Henry says, “Be kind, be calm, be safe.”

Nettle Soup and homemade bread. 

Rough skinned newt

Covid 19: Social Distancing

March 17, 2020

The last rays of sun are illuminating the Straight of Georgia between Vancouver and Valdes Island. From my chair in our cabin, I watch a ferry gliding along in the pink light that bathes the coastal range. Mount Baker looks simultaneously solid and ethereal.

We we’re supposed to be on route to Moncton to visit Gordon’s aunt and uncle who are 96 and 93 respectively. Yesterday morning we made a quick decision to pull the plug and avoid any risks to Herman and Doris. When we made the decision there were 46 cases of Covid-19 in B.C. and only one on Vancouver island. The risk seemed low, but out of an abundance of caution and a sense of responsibility we cancelled the trip. 

Other than stories of hoarding shoppers racing to buy all the toilet paper and hand sanitizers, life seemed fairly normal here. 

Today there are 187 cases and seven deaths in the province. A public health emergency has been declared in BC  as in many other provinces across the country. The stories coming out of Italy and Spain are a scary warning of what is yet to come. 

Schools have been shut indefinitely for in-class instruction but I have been told to report to school on Monday after spring break ends. We will continue to work but may have new and different duties.  

We are all practicing “social distancing” now even on Valdes. We are meeting our neighbors each day at the beach but saying 6 feet away from each other at all times. We are feeling very fortunate to have this place to hold up in