I am doing my part in staying home to fight this crazy pandemic so affectionally known as COVID-19.  We are living in a nutty world right now, and I choose to listen to doctors to flatten the curve. It’s all I know what to do right now. I was laid off from an industry that I love and went from running at 150 miles an hour to a screeching halt.  All this comes with some fluctuating thoughts and emotions. I’m sure all of us are feeling that in one way or another.

Yesterday I did something that I genuinely love.  I went grocery shopping.  I wanted fresh vegetables and meat, so I decided to venture out and pick up the essentials, which included some Rose.  I was excited enough to put on a bra and brush my hair.  I didn’t bother with make-up, but I put on a coat of glossy lip gloss and off I went.  I was kind of excited.

The CO-OP in Rockyridge is so prepared.  They offer hand sanitizer on the way in and wipe down your cart.  I felt safe and looked after.  I checked my list and started on my journey.  I did notice that there were a ton of items marked two for one, which was a pleasant surprise.  I did buy two for one except for toilet paper because there still was none to be had. That’s OK because I have some. 

What I did realize was the energy in the store.  It was morose. It lacked in any sense of hope or light.  People were just on a mission to get what they need and get out.  I suppose that is the correct action. However, it left me feeling very lonely and deflated.  I am sure every one of us is feeling this exact way.  I decided to venture into the liquor store as I was convinced that I was going to feel different (by the way, I love both the grocery and liquor store shopping).  The liquor store turned out to be the same dire experience.

I went straight home and could not shake this feeling of isolation and loneliness.  Most of you that know me know that I am super positive and optimistic most of the time.  Thankfully my brother Dave reached out to me last night to see if I was OK, and all I could be was honest.  I cooked a delicious meal with the coaching of another friend that helped with some cooking techniques, so I should have been all sorted out.  Except I wasn’t.  And that’s OK!

I decided bed was the best idea for me but woke up this morning feeling quite the same.  I chose not to watch the news and work on my computer.  Being productive does have a way of making me feel better.  I was on a Zoom call, and my phone started buzzing.  It was my mother calling through on her first facetime call. 

I WAS SCREAMING!  I WAS SO HAPPY!

My mom lives in Ontario and doesn’t have a technology-savvy bone in her 82-year-old body.  I didn’t realize that I was not muted on the Zoom call until my friend Julia texted me asking me to do so.  Oh, oh!  Ha Ha!   She muted my line, but I was so happy to see my mom’s face today.  I appreciate my twin sister so much for setting up my mother on an old iPad. Louise, from a distance, showed my mother how to answer and facilitate a call from her iPad. 

But then this happened. 

I decided to keep working after a yummy lunch, and I noticed that I missed a call. I dialled the missed number, and it was a lady by the name of Cindy Good.  Cindy and I are friends, and she asked me what I was doing.  I told her I was working on a few things.  Noted below is how the rest of the conversation went.

Cindy:   What are you doing?

Maria: I’m doing some work.

Cindy:  Do you have a new shelf beside your desk?

Maria:  Yes, I do (looking around wondering how she knew that)

Cindy:  Do you have a doll near your window?  (now I’m freaking out thinking I left a zoom call on or someone had access to the camera on my computer)

Maria:   No, I don’t have any dolls!

Cindy:   Are you sure?  Look left!

Maria:  I look out my front window, and Cindy is waving to me from her car (the doll was a Buddha statue on my windowsill)

Cindy:  Starts laughing

Maria:  Screaming jumping up and down of laughter and happiness

WHAT A JOY!  

WHAT A SURPRISE!  

WHAT HAPPINESS THIS BEAUTIFUL GESTURE BROUGHT TO MY LIFE!

My spirits were lifted. 

I felt so much love!  I needed this.  

First, I saw my mother’s beautiful, safe face on a facetime call.  Then, not only did Cindy surprise me with her infectious greatness, but she brought gifts.  A beautiful bottle of Cotes De Rhone and some Easter chocolates.  I am so blessed.

So, when it’s GOOD it’s GOOD

When it’s Cindy GOOD it’s GREAT!