Damn it, I’m tired of all this; it’s time to move forward. After all, it is my 4th Quarter, and life marches inexorably forward regardless of what I do. Like everyone else, I am trying to figure out all of this. I read Time, The Week, and The Atlantic, glance at the New York Times and the Washington Post as I attempt to decipher what is happening and how I fit into the grand scheme of things. I just want to know, should I go out, stay in, watch even more tv than I already do, go get our groceries or have them delivered to our home, wear a mask everywhere, hop in the car and see the grandkids, and a hundred other decisions. Does this sound familiar?
Here is what I have decided. Clint Eastwood asked in an interview how he stays so active at age 90. He replied, “I just don’t let the old man in.” To me, his words are profound: “Don’t let the old man in.” There’s really not much we can do about our health other than exercise and attempt to eat right. Heck, I’ve been active all my life and with more than able assistance from Diane have battled base of tongue cancer, had a total right shoulder replacement, and continue to deal with some respiratory issues. Why did these things happen to me? Who knows, but they did and one can only assume there will be more such “fun” as the 4th Quarter continues. The choice is to sit back and let entropy get the upper hand or remain as active as my health allows. I choose the latter so thank you, Clint, I’m not letting the old man in.
My “virus” plan remains in flux and like the rest of you, it is a working document that changes as new Covid-19 information becomes available. I will continue to take my almost daily walks of 4-5 miles which is non-negotiable. With President Trump seemingly unable to provide clear guidance on the value of wearing a mask, I will make my own judgement and that will be to wear one any time I venture inside a building, public or private. I don’t like masks, don’t want to wear one, and find them cumbersome but in the final analysis, will wear one as that is the appropriate thing to do these days to protect myself and others. Research indicates that the virus is all around us and we might be asymptomatic and carry the germ with us wherever we go. The same goes for people with whom we come into contact–where have they been and who have they been with, we just don’t know.
Yes, most cases are not too severe and with care and caution, the patient will recover. But what about those of us in the 4th Quarter, those of us who have experienced chemo and radiation or have diabetes or are a bit overweight or have other underlying conditions? What about us? Covid-19 is out there waiting! If we get it, the experience will not be pleasant and heaven forbid, if it “takes” us, the end is agonizing as those afflicted, gasp for every breath until there are none. That’s that, I am a mask convert.
Everyone within our Macomb universe adheres to the six-foot social distance protocol. Unfortunately, I am my own worst enemy and totally forget this. I am working on it. We had mulch delivered to our home. Diane went into cardiac arrest when I walked up to Jordan and extended my hand as I have done a million times. Diane immediately said, “Gord, remember don’t shake hands.” My next move was to wash my hands. As I said, I’m working on it.
Grocery stores are not off limits, same for gas stations, the post office, and drive-in banking. The Taylors will continue to support local restaurants with drive-up or delivery service. The future remains uncertain. We can’t commit to “dining in,” going to the movies, or attending sporting events. At 74 and 72, the risk/payoff ratio just doesn’t work for us, at least in the short run. Before doing the above, there is the clarion call of six grandchildren spread out over Texas, Ohio, and Chicago, and I happen to be married to their grandma.
Boomers are known for their service and volunteer activities. I have been asked by the McDonough District Hospital CEO, Brian Dietz, to interview Dr. Ed Card and Dr. Jack McPherson regarding the impact of Covid-19 in our area and how to deal with it. These interviews will air mid-June on two local tv stations, Channels 3 and 15, as a part of the Macomb on the Move series. Mayor Mike Inman has been instrumental in supporting this project.
That’s my plan on dealing with the nasty old Coronavirus. For at least another month or until the Governor decides something to the contrary, Diane and I will continue to pretty much “hunker down,” work in the yard, take some walks, do carry out, enjoy home-cooked meals, sit on our deck, reconnect with old friends online, by phone, or even through the written word with an envelope and a stamp. It’s not very glitzy but all things considered, it’s a workable approach for us. We look forward to the day when we can mingle again with our friends throughout the community. For now, we shall be content to “Keep the old man out.” Seems like a pretty good plan to us.
Gordy and the Fourth Quarter 