While kayaking yesterday morning I found it difficult to reconcile two simultaneous scenes in my head. The first was what surrounded me, the peacefulness of the river. The second was what I have learned about the utter frenzy, intensity, exhaustion and death in hospital emergency rooms and ICU’s all over our country.

I found it “eerily quiet” paddling under overcast skies with no wind and no motorboats nearby. The sweet sound of occasional terns as they flitted around the docks as well as the distant crowing of a rooster were the only sounds in addition to my paddle hitting the water. For me it was the perfect moment to pray for those I know who are sick with the coronavirus and for the doctor I know who voluntarily left our “life in paradise” and flew to NYC to minister to COVID 19 patients.

There are many healthy people who are suffering as well. There is fear, anxiety, anger, disbelief, overeating, over drinking, sleeplessness, domestic violence, lethargy, depression and lack of control. It all adds up to GRIEF. I’m aware there has been a constant flow of advice in the media on how to cope with reactions to the pandemic.

Simply I will remind you of some basic coping modalities: talking, writing, prayer, meditation, nature, exercise, pets and music. Give one of these a try. That’s “taking control” of the situation. It’s one of the only ways one can take control. Wishing everyone and your family and friends to be safe and healthy.

-Harriet