As some of you know, my mother, now 96, is in a nursing home in Florida. Basically bedridden now and because she has been nearly deaf for years , writing is the extent of our communication. It is entirely one-way, I don’t know that she gets my letters or that she can read them. It is all I can do, so I do it.

March 19th, 2020

6:40am

Charleston

Good Morning —

I hope this letter finds you resting comfortably and peaceful. The first day of Spring finds us in an increasingly uncertain, and frankly, scary time. Since the virus is still on the upswing, all we can do is stay in, avoid other people, wash our hands thoroughly and often. I start each day by disinfecting — the knobs, the light switches, the handles, keyboards, mobile phones, remote controls, etc. I turn on the news and the newscasters are no longer broadcasting from their studios, they are staying home too, so some are reporting from home. The stock exchange is closed for disinfection. Patti and David, in the Bay area, have been ordered to ‘shelter in place’ which means staying in whenever possible. We’re not on lockdown however, so we take Blue on long walks, avoiding other people to maintain a safe distance. Robert has been exploring Charleston on his bike.

Yesterday I ventured out to the local supermarket. It was Robert’s birthday and I wanted to make him his usual birthday dinner, (in this decidedly unusual time), so I got to the Harris Teeter before the sun came up, disinfecting wipes at the ready. I wiped down the cart handle and used a wipe to open the doors to the freezers). I got in and out of there as soon as I could. There was still lots to buy, most items are still well stocked but soap, hand sanitizer, and of course toilet paper — all gone. Very few people were there at 7:00am, the staff was wearing gloves and it was self check-out only. Every time I go I wonder if I will look back at regret for not buying coffee? Tuna? Dried beans beans? It takes a lot of restraint not to horde, but then I remember that this is temporary and for now, the supply chains are intact. Fear and panic are the real enemies, not the virus.

Our small runabout boat, the Iqbal Jumabhoy, from Naples is here now and at the local marina (which is close by, walking distance if ambitious). Today is calling for warm temperatures, so we may venture out, something we can do without coming into contact with anyone else. Exciting to think of all the interesting places to explore here by boat. Charleston is not only on the Atlantic coast, but there is the Ashley river to our west and the Cooper and Wando to the east. Lots of historic and recreational places to see. And some good food when things get back to normal. Getting outside is so important now.

Speaking of that, though cases here in the US continue to spike, (because it is spreading yes, but also because more testing is being done) — for the first time there are no new cases in Wuhan, China — where the virus originated. Good news, that. France, Italy and Spain are all suffering, but so many people around the globe, heroes all — are working very, very hard to control this beast.

It must be hard for you there, with no visitors. Of course it is for the best, but hard nonetheless. You must try to be especially kind and patient with the staff there, they are under a big strain. Healthcare workers are the true champions.

OK, I’m signing off now, the sun is creeping up and the day is starting. Not sure what new challenges will present themselves today, but still the sun comes up and the flowers bloom and the dog needs his walk. Take good care, I’ll write again soon, promise.

XO,