United Nations of Anxiety

One of the things I enjoy about Coronavirus (enjoy seems like the wrong word, but you know what I mean) is having more contact with friends around the world. At first friends were calling to ask how things were going in Italy, but in the last few weeks the conversation has shifted from “checking in” to commiserating about our common plight. From Delhi to Copenhagen, what we all have in common is anxiety. I am experiencing it for the first time, and I know that’s true for other friends too. That tightness in my chest? Is it Coronavirus or is it stress? It could be either at this point.

 What’s making me uneasy right now? The second wave. You’ve heard about it; I’ve heard about. It’s happening in Asia now, with the return of people who got Covid19 while in Europe or the U.S. What is this likely to mean? That as long as there is no vaccine, international travel will have to be restricted. We may go back to some kind of normalcy here in Italy by end of May, but, as the Mayor of Milan said in his daily Instagram video today, it will probably be a year until all restrictions are lifted.  

 In thrilling news, today we had a gift from heaven. It was announced that one parent can go on a walk with one child in the vicinity of their home. This is major! It’s funny how, when you have been deprived of freedom, even for a short period, getting back just a little inch of it feels amazing.  You shall find me walking around the block with one of my children shortly.