I have been signing my emails this way. I think we all need reminders during these crazy times. I know I do. I covered phone calls at the FQHC where I am doing per diem work and was shocked by the sheer challenge of what we (health care providers) are telling people to do when they are living with someone who is Covid-19 positive. While it makes sense, as I tried to describe it to a patient whose partner was infected I became aware of the utter insanity: "How big is your living space? You are supposed to stay 6 feet away from her." --That means I'm sleeping on the couch. "Don't share a can of pop or her toothbrush." --Laughter. "You shouldn't use the same towel or wash cloth." --Laughter. "No sharing body fluids. That means no kissing and no sex." --Okay. "Clean the bathroom after she uses it and before you use it." --Oh Really. "We can't test you unless you have symptoms which include: fever, sore throat, cough . . ." --I feel fine. "Call us if you have questions. Do you have an email and I'll send you what I just told you. . . ."

It felt even more insane when I tried to explain things to a woman who was exposed and symptomatic. In her small apartment were her father and two children, one just a year old. Since she had a low grade fever, headache and sore throat I could order a test. But the realities of isolating, and in a tiny living space??!! And with a one year old??

A relative shared this PodCast written by a NYT magazine reporter about the challenges of caring for her ill husband. My relative was considering the what ifs if his doctor-wife got sick. Though hard to listen to, I thought it captured the horror and difficulty, even anguish that middle class Americans are facing. I cannot even imagine the realities for the less well off in the US, or in the slums of India and Brazil, not to mention Yemen. . .

For another perspective, in times like this it is always good to have some distance, above and beyond social distancing. Even through the centuries. I am sharing a piece written by a Public Health Colleague in Palestine--Communicable Diseases Past and Present. Plagues and scourges are not new, nor are the locusts that are currently ravaging Africa.

I find I have to manage the dose of reality during these difficult times. To stay sane I look for the delights. Stay in the present and appreciate the gifts others share with me. For those of a certain age who grew up with The Sound of Music, this will make you smile. A redo of My Favorite Things. Thanks Dr. Bill Manahan.

And a photo from family in San Diego--Thanks Ron Tinney! And a few days ago we had a double rainbow too, here in RI. It was just for a few minutes, but it made me smile. And we muddle on. May you and your loved ones muddle on. Blessings. Stay safe and sane.