Hi Neighbor!

My husband warned me, but I didn’t believe him. Turns out he was right (I HATE when that happens!). He told me that while many gyms, stores and other local businesses would reopen, they wouldn’t look or feel the same when they did. “You’re wrong!” I snapped back, refusing to believe that my beloved Main Line haunts would change in any way. Besides, I wanted my old life back, not this scary new one that I have such little control over these days. In many ways, this reopening phase is just as stressful as when our region shut down in mid-March. I can’t seem to figure out where to go or what to do. Should I try to recapture as much of my old routine as possible or create a new one? Is a routine even possible right now? And I can’t even think about school in the fall. My husband tells me not to worry but that’s like telling me not to breathe.

Last week I was talking to a friend who’s a local esthetician. Normally so bubbly and energetic, she seemed weary and a bit defeated. She told me that while she’s thrilled to be back at work after four unexpected months off, her job has completely changed. “I work longer hours now—not because I’m seeing more clients, but because I’m constantly cleaning and sanitizing,” she told me. “I can’t squeeze clients in or move appointments around anymore because of the sanitation requirements, and I now greet clients with a thermometer, when I really just want to give them a hug. And I’m so worried we’ll be shut down again.”

I didn’t have any words of wisdom for her, but it was nice to have an in-person conversation with a friend, even if we both were feeling unsettled. And maybe that’s all we can do right now—live one day at a time, trying to do the next right thing, however strange or unfamiliar that might be.

Take care & stay safe,
Kate