This Post Is Just To Say — Dear Readers, I Am Thinking Of You All
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began my thoughts have often turned to WALL series readers, wherever you may be in the world—a concern that has increased, pretty much matching the extent to which the Delta variant has taken, and/or is taking, hold
In some cases, I know a little of your personal circumstances because you’ve shared something of them with me via social. In others, I know where you live (in a ‘country’ sense, that is—because no, I don’t stalk readers on the internet!) and that in several cases those countries are being hard hit by Covid. In the great majority of cases, though, I will never know anything of WALL series readers or their/your lives—and that is not only completely fine 😉 but under more normal circumstances none of the above would be especially comment worthy.
With Covid-19, though, we are not living through “normal times.” I know, too, that Covid has probably already affected all of you in innumerable ways. Although I can imagine and empathise based on news reports, as well as my own circumstances (while remaining keenly aware of my very privileged position here in NZ), I can never completely understand others’ lived experience of the pandemic or know the full extent of what you may be enduring.
Nonetheless, I wanted to say “out loud” that although this is a book blog and I am (clearly!) not an epidemiologist or public health practitioner, just because I stick, largely, to my bookish “knitting”, does not mean that I am not concerned for your wellbeing or the global situation. I am concerned, very much so, and actively endeavour to stay abreast of what’s happening globally, and consequently for you all personally.
Some of the circumstances I’m familiar with include readers of all ages with underlying health conditions that render them particularly vulnerable to Covid 19; those in high contact / high risk occupations whose partners or immediate family members have equally high risk conditions; once healthy individuals who have been hit hard by the debilitating effects of Long Covid; and people resident in NZ who have lost both family members and friends to Covid in their countries-of-origin.
I am sure there are many other stories as challenging and potentially devastating, and also that there is no catchphrase or bromide that I can “trot out” by way of a palliative. The reason I stick to the “bookish knitting” is not indifference, but because it is something I can do – definitely not at the epidemiological or public health end of the spectrum, but in the hopes of offering a positive (albeit very small – perhaps even infinitesimally small!) respite from everyday realities.
If it helps in any way to share your situation here, then please know that you are always very welcome to do so. Otherwise, to borrow an adage, please “be careful out there”* – and if possible, let’s keep trying to take care for others, as well as ourselves.
* “Allegedly”, the original adage is Amish: “Be careful out there, among the English” – or words to like effect, as reproduced in the (classic!) 1985 film, Witness. 😀
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In the spirit of small positives—or what I hope will prove positive, however infinitesimally so—just a headsup that I’ll have a The Chaos Gate, The Wall Of Night work-in-progress update for you on Thursday. 🙂
Most of us are not in jobs where we can “do” something to help out with the covid-19 pandemic, even at the local level. The best we can do is be responsible citizens.
Still – a good fantasy or science fiction book makes for a good comfort read. Or watching new or repeat SF on TV helps. It is a helpful distraction and a good way to de-stress.
Agreed. 🙂
Are there any new SF TV series you particularly recommend?