It seems like the soundtrack to Jaws is playing in the background of all our lives. Do you remember that scary incessant quickening sound, da duh, da duh, da duh, da duh … Do you also wonder, will it get me? I was writing an article about Israel and the Corona Virus interrupted. They tell us the virus is spreading rapidly and there’s even a possibility of risking death. OMG!

Being in my sixties―the more dangerous age that folks talk about as being a more vulnerable group, this is something new for me and not to my liking. I’m not used to feeling old, let alone so vulnerable. Well maybe a bit time-worn during Orange Theory Fitness routines but I’m still there trying my best next to the other sweating, grunting exercisers, most of whom are much younger.

I was still there until they had to close their doors too. I’ve always said I may not love exercising but I’m already missing the people, whether the other members, front office staff or coaches. The routines are so hard that it’s the comradery that gets me there and surviving during the class is the only thing on my mind. The endorphins by the end of the class make me feel so good and loopy that I neglect to cancel the next session I have scheduled.

This is unimaginable. In so few days our worlds have been turned upside down. And for most of us, we’re just reading the news. But the news is bad shutting down everything from places to eat, gather and for many, make money. What’s happening is shocking and seems other-worldly.

If you recall (I know I do), I don’t do well under unexpected terrorizing situations threatening my life—see my book, “BLASTED from COMPLACENCY: A Journey from Terror to Transformation in Israel.” Maybe you’ll have the time to read it : )

As I said, I had been writing an article about Israel, but what’s going on made me set it aside for another day. I didn’t want to ignore the pain that so many are experiencing here in the U.S. and the entire world. Our lives are changing by the minute. And yes, in Israel too, they are dealing with this Corona Virus fiend, in between running to bomb shelters where it’s not possible to maintain a six-foot distance apart.

I know intellectually that scientists must understand the scope through the numbers, but these are people, not just statistics that are getting sick, many even dying. They have families, friends and coworkers that need and miss them and will grieve if they pay the ultimate price of breathing in the wrong place at the wrong time. And they say it will get much worse before it even begins to get better.

I scramble to think of the positives, you too? Some of what’s happened has been surprisingly good. I can think of several things.

My son and all his friends have come home from college or are on their way. Classes will be online at least through the end of the semester. Now would I have wanted this to happen? Of course not. I wish he was continuing to carve out his independent life on campus. Being empty nesters was taking some getting used to, but we were managing. I’m not sure that when he’s away if I’ll ever get used to wondering how he is. But having him here during these uncertain times does help. I like the fact that he will be more likely to check in with his local friends, many he’s known most of his life, now that they are all home and can compare notes as they’ve been trying on their adult shoes.

As for me, when your life has portions taken away, you take note. Hopefully even become more appreciative. Like our weekly visits to temple. Our synagogue has closed for the foreseeable future.

Nothing beats the comradery of face-to-face communications, but online connections certainly help. One can pray anywhere, and it is part of my twice daily meditations, but it’s not the same without the music, drumbeat and community.

A kind congregation member checked in on how we were doing, and I mentioned that I loved seeing her grandchildren on Facebook. Next thing I knew, her daughter-in-law contacted me through Facebook Live while her toddler, baby and dancing husband (who also happens to be a rabbi) brightened my mood. Her lovely voice is always great to listen to and her daughter obviously wants to be the next singer in the family. It was a joy to see the youngsters smiling and laughing with each other and their parents. Thank you!

Do you also miss those days when you could bounce your kids on your knee or fly them through the air? My son is 6’1” now and just yesterday tried to pick me up for fun.

Another gift from the Universe was hearing from family and friends. Some I haven’t spoken with in a very long time. Peoples’ lives are very busy and not everyone takes the time to connect as often as they would like. Over the last couple of days, I’ve truly enjoyed catching up with some friends. You know the kind who no matter how long it’s been, you just continue the conversation as if you had never been apart.

So now it’s back to staying home and making good use of the time. It’s hard to have a career of speaking when gatherings are forbidden. Oy. I can’t wait to be able to give a talk again and meet more people, but for now there are more than enough projects to keep me busy.

Please be safe, and if possible stay home. Peace, שלום, سلام

I invite you to Join Me on My Journey…