Life changed drastically for many North Americans this week. We saw it happening in other parts of the world, and we thought... well, we thought whatever we thought. Now those changes have arrived on our shores. We’re practicing social distancing to limit the spread of coronavirus. This is imperative to save lives, and it’s not easy. Our instinct is often to come together in an emergency. In the time of social distancing, how do we find community?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Food is a great unifier, bringing us together to break bread and celebrate. Of course, food is just as important in an emergency.  So if we can’t eat together, let’s try to trust each other. Resist the desire to hoard. Supplies need to be moved from point A to point B, and exhausted grocery store staff (bless them!) need time to restock. Buy what you need. There will be enough. 

Family members and others in your community might need some help. If someone isn’t feeling well, they’ll be observing quarantine procedures (bless them!), unable to leave the house even for essentials. Call or text them to ask if they need supplies. Drop off groceries at the door, wave to them through the window. Blow kisses. We will be okay.

As for me, I’m not able to see my family right now. (It’s alright. We will be okay.) I am able to see my family’s dog, who has no idea what’s going on (bless her!) and needs regular walks. It turns out I, too, need regular walks, so away we go on trails that are mercifully close to our homes. And because I think she is the best and smartest doggo in the world, I’m training her to go to the store to get supplies for the rest of us. She’s very dedicated, but insists on having the driver’s side window open to stick her head out. Call it a work in progress.

Take care of yourselves and take care of each other.

Be calm.

Be kind.

Be thoughtful.

We’re all in this together, even if we’re 6 feet apart.