“How could you put those two words together?”

While there is certainly nothing funny about this pandemic we find ourselves in the midst of, there have been some unforeseen benefits to those of us lucky enough to access them. As a newly retired person (yes, I stopped working as an elder in-home caregiver in April because of the increased danger to myself as a newly minted ‘elder’ myself, with the underlying condition of asthma that increases the likelihood of suffering more severe complications should I acquire the disease.) I have found myself smack dab in the middle…of my house.

I have always loved being home. Never felt I had quite enough time spent there. As a member of the workforce, and for years a busy mom as well, home was more a pit stop than a place of calm relaxation. When I was home there always seemed to be more maintenance tasks to accomplish, meals to make, laundry to fold, floors to wash etcetera, than could be handled AND spend much time reclining…or acquiring a new hobby, tending a garden, organizing the garage (a chore on the list for what seems forever), let alone teaching myself a new skill.

Well during this, to date, eight months at home, I have taken up a hobby of painting portraits of beloved family, canines and a few florals/scenery. I ask Alexa to crank up the music, often a blend of oldies, even discovering some newbies (at least to me). I have also had more time to manicure the succulent garden, care for the raised bed vegetables and hire help to update the sprinklers and patio aggregate.

My old bread baking book has come out of the cupboard much to the delight of hungry mouths that are part of our ‘under the same roof congregate’, as pandemic doctors are calling those who live together. As the cases surge throughout the United States, we are being asked to return to former pandemic lockdown which, truth be told, has very little effect on us as newly retired. Not much change from pandemic normal.

The only time I get out from under this roof is for the daily dog walk and the rare occasion to go to a doctor’s appointment. I can count on one hand the number of times I have been in the car since April.

“Aren’t you bored?”

Nope.

I am reveling in the serenity and comfort of my home. I am doing what I always loved doing, but had precious little time to do over the years. I may have become a homebody, but I am far from isolated—at least as far as keeping up with the ongoings of the world. My computer and the television news keep me fascinated, not only with the raging pandemic, the contentious election, but also the ‘feel good’ stories that accompany all the ‘bad’. I’ve always loved to hear about (and celebrate) other’s good fortune or success. Seems this pandemic has brought plenty of human interest stores to the forefront.

Fred Rogers of “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” children’s show fame used to say, (in distressing or frightening times) “Always look for the helpers.” And there are many. My faith in the basic goodness of the everyday person is daily reinforced with the tales of brave first responders, medical professionals, police and the public who go above and beyond to help those less fortunate who are struggling through the challenges of this pandemic. SO very many ‘helpers’.

It is so too easy to destroy; to take advantage of our fellows or to ignore those in need. God bless the many who do not. It truly is the exception rather than the rule of those awful disheartening stories that make the news about people of greed or selfishness. Yes, I admit to be an unapologetic optimist, though I do not believe I am a ‘cockeyed optimist’. I know all too well the uncertainty and powerlessness we as humans have over circumstances and other’s choices. We all suffer losses at some times in life.

Yet I believe in the basic decency and goodness of most of us. I believe there are and always will be ‘the helpers’ if and when we need them.

In the meantime I find so very much comfort at home during this time of Covid. I’ve rediscovered how very much I love not only my solitude, but my creativity. Gosh I love to read and soak up the experiences of others through their writings. I love the unconditional love of my dogs, the beauty of my own backyard in its ever changing display of flora and fauna. I love watching the bright breasted orioles splashing in the birdbath, the dit-ing hummingbirds as they scold each other while vying for a sip of nectar, the squirrel as he dashes along the back garden wall.

The simple comforts of home…and the time to enjoy them.