Grandma, what did you do in the plague?

My paternal grandmother, Ida, spent two years in a tuberculosis sanitarium in the early 1930s. It was in Ottumwa, Iowa, and it no longer exists. My father was six when she got sick. Ida's sister, Anna, took care of the family. That's what families do.

Years later, in 1967, I lived in Spain and was diagnosed with TB and treated for a year with medication and monitoring. Since then, I've gone for periodic rechecks and there's been no recurrence. Unlike my grandmother, I didn't have to be held in a sanitarium away from my family and normal activities. Advances in medicine, I guess. 

This time of plague has brought up reminders. TB patients, according to what I've read, were plied with lots of fresh air, even sleeping on open porches in all weather. I've spent much of each day on the deck during this time. It has been a balm to my mind and spirit and, perhaps, I'm channeling Ida.

I am acutely aware of the privilege I have during this pandemic. A house, first of all, with electricity, hot and cold running water, food, and the internet --- don't forget the internet! My wife and I find we enjoy each other's company and not a single spat has arisen. After 18 years together, we've been through enough counseling and hard times that we've learned to be gentle with one another. Also, we leave each other alone for our personal pursuits in the same house.

One of the underlying complaints I glean from what I read online is a feeling that this "shouldn't" be happening. As if life in modern America should not be subject to such an indignity as infectious disease. "It's not FAIR!"

No, but it's real life and how we respond is what matters most. Do we abandon our values of compassion in favor of some sort of "every man for himself and the devil take the hindmost" philosophy? That seems to be rearing itself in some quarters.

Or do we take this for the challenge it is, put hearts, minds, and strength to bear in acknowledging the stark reality and solving it the best we can? 

Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and even God will not bail us out. This is our collective moment and everyone has a part to play, even if it is just staying home or wearing a mask to the grocery store. 

My son is an ER doc. His job is well-defined and he is in my thoughts every single day. My wife is a Surgical Tech; she's got 35 years of familiarity with PPE. Thousands and thousands of regular people, sons, daughters, wives, husbands, go to work each day and face unknown risks. The best way you and I can support them is to stop the spread of disease.

Me, I may be getting old and retired, but I'm still kicking it right here at home, writing stories, sewing masks, checking in on friends and family by phone and computer. I may not be on the front lines, but I'm doing my part. So can you.