Panic and

It’s sharp and sudden.

It’s clinging.

It’s invisible,

And yes it’s insidious.

I didn’t realize I felt it until this morning.

Until late last night, a bit before midnight, I wasn’t in utter fear of the newest health concern, Coronavirus.

I felt quite well (at least I did before reading the NYT and listening to Fox News).

Now I realize how vulnerable I am due to age and living in a senior community.

Initially, I scoffed at people (including two near and dear on the west coast) who had shopped for two weeks of provisions lest the shelves suddenly become barren.

This morning (living in a state without any confirmed cases of the illness at the moment) I also ordered an extra supply of paper goods, towels, tissues. Suddenly, I am yes, to be totally honest, afraid.

Is it a legitimate emotion or one induced by panic, triggered by the constant reporting of the issue. Am I verging on hysteria or is my reaction prudent anxiety?

I don’t have the answer for anyone else, but I think I have found my own solution.

I will indulge in (yes, a second cup ) of coffee,) find a good Kindle mystery (one not dealing with the black plague, ebola, diphtheria, or even a new strain of measles) and perhaps even indulge in a few shortbread fingers.

I will cancel the order for 100 pairs of plastic gloves, 12 bottles of sanitizer, but add another supply of shortbread. I might desperately need that in the upcoming days and possibly, weeks.

However, for the remainder of today, I intend to carefully put the heavy burden of fear of the unknown into a sealed envelope and lock it tightly in my desk.

I hope you can do the same.