It’s been a busy week and I am exhausted. A week ago today, I was celebrating my step-daughter’s wedding. It was absolutely beautiful… the dress, the decorations, the love… all simply beautiful. She was a gorgeous bride and her groom was a handsome groom, and the love between them was palpable. I couldn’t be happier for them.

A few days before the wedding, my bestie of 38 years arrived; she was invited to the wedding and it was an excuse for us to visit. She arrived before the virus took hold of everything, so we were able to get some time together out at local restaurants, at the beach for a few drinks, and made a stop at a local tattoo parlor where we got matching tattoos… her first, my second. We both got the outline of the state of West Virginia, the place so dear to our hearts. I was so very happy to have the time together, especially in light of some unusual circumstances which were beyond my control; I needed her support and love and as usual, she did not fail me. Thirty eight years of always being there… I should get her a ribbon or a trophy or something. Whatch-y’all think?

My daughter was in the wedding, so she and her husband also came down for several days. Between the pre-wedding activities and being with the bride I didn’t see her as much, but it was nice having her around for just a little while. I got some quality time with my son-in-law involving beer, games, chatting, and lots of laughing. I reconnected with old friends at the wedding reception as well; it was a much needed evening of festivity. It was one of those snapshots of life where it’s just good to be alive and happy. My bestie and I left Florida Sunday morning. I drove her back to West Virginia and planned to spend a few days with family.

Then, COVID-19 happened on a full scale. It ramped up over the weekend, and by Sunday social distancing was a real thing and not just something I practiced when I was feeling chubby or lazy. We got to West Virginia Sunday night and she went home, and I went to my mom’s house… Babcia’s house. Babcia has acquired some health problems over the years. She has an artificial heart valve, diabetes (a Polish lady with diabetes, say it ain’t so), and COPD. Obviously, she is at high risk where the coronavirus is concerned. While our time together was wonderful, it was different this time. We spent a few days at her house without going out into the general public in order to avoid crowds. We remained several feet apart at all times, washed our hands constantly, and there was no hugging or kissing of the Babcia by me or anyone else, including my niece who happened to turn 9 on St. Patrick’s day. In some ways it was rough as we are an affectionate family, but we kept reminding ourselves how detrimental this virus could be to Babcia and that was our incentive to stay separated. Babcia didn’t like it. Sophie didn’t like it. I didn’t like it. But as Babcia says, “it is what it is”. On the bright side, Babcia and I played cards several times which we both always enjoy. She likes to play Rummy. She especially likes to play Rummy when she is winning. She won each game we played. This puts her in an exceptionally good mood and she sings, jokes, and laughs. Babcia always says, “Whoever is lucky in cards is lucky in love”. Considering my history, the correlation is real. And considering she was married 49 years, no wonder she always wins. At the end she will cheat a little, but not for herself; she cheats against herself in order to help me win. She thinks I don’t know or maybe she does know and she just does it anyway. It’s our little secret of the game. It’s just Babcia trying to help her child.

I must share a little story regarding the coronavirus and my visit. First of all, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many big rigs traveling up and down interstates 77 and 95. They were every where. Several were marked as carrying medical supplies. For anyone who thinks supplies are slow to come or aren’t coming, they ARE. I saw it with my own eyes, these people are working day and night to transport the needed materials to the proper places. Respect them, show them love and support, buy them a coffee or a burger if they’re stopped alongside you. The trucking industry is still a lifeline in this country and these people are soldiers. Thank them for the work they do.

My second story is my favorite story. I witnessed something that made my heart swell and grow three sizes. On the morning of Sophie’s ninth birthday (some of you know it as St. Patrick’s day), I was charged with going out to find a chocolate birthday cake and some candles. I went to the neighborhood grocery store and was lucky enough to get the last chocolate cake from the bakery. Like most stores, they had music piping throughout the store. As I gently put the cake down into my buggy I heard a familiar tune begin to play. Then almost instantly, I heard several voices singing along to themselves independently, and their voices formed a small chorus. I looked up and looked around me. People were doing their apocalypse-shopping while tapping their fingers on the buggy handles and singing along with John Denver. It was “Take Me Home Country Roads”. I began to sing as well. As I looked around I saw that no one even looked twice or blinked at each other, they just continued about the store as they sang inherently, saying please, thank you, excuse me, and have a nice day to one another. The hair on my arms stood up and I smiled to myself thinking, this is exactly where I’m meant to be at this moment. I felt so much unity in that small act. This is West Virginia at it’s finest. No panic, no negativity, just singing and being kind to one another even though the world is going crazy. This is why I am proud of my home. While this was an example of the best of West Virginia, it’s also an example of the best of all of us. This is how I know we’re all going to get through this and be okay. Look around, sing, be hopeful and be joyful. It’s good for the soul.