Living in coronavirusworld: And in late breaking news...

 10/2

Thank you John Lewis

The day begins with the breaking news that the president and his wife have tested positive for Covid. An international family chat starts up immediately. With predictable comments about karma and divine intervention, And equally predictable, serious questions about what is really going on, the thought that t must be an angle to this somehow. Hat nothing is what it seems. It’s a sad testimony as to where we are now that throughout the day, I hear people raising these questions. There’s just no trusting what’s real and what’s not anymore. And whatever side you’re on, conspiracy theories abound, To me, it was virtually, well maybe bad word choice, but inevitable given the president’s nearly total disdain for the most rudimentary of precautions about masks, social distance, crowds, science  and common sense. Now an already chaotic election season becomes yet even more bizarre.

Medical care in coronavirus world grows ever more complicated. Due to fears about immune systems and risk factors, my dermatologist required me to get flu and shingles vaccinations before my visit and complete blood work before making a recommendation for meds. The rows of empty vials increase my natural anxiety about needles and veins. Made only worse by a nurse who misses the vein the first two times. Thankfully, the back up eases in the needle on the first try. Even have my first HIV test.

My friend Rabbi Steve wonders how to respond if his congregants request prayers for healing for the President in his shabbat service tonight. I quote Tevye from“Fiddler on the Roof”: God keep the czar…far away from me” then say that it’s part of every Sunday service in the Episcopal church. When I dated a priest many years ago, I just could not pray for “our President Ronald” (as in Reagan)

nevertheless, fall....

I join runners in Germany (and around the world) in a Bavarian Oktoberfest 5K. From Harlem down the  the Upper West Side finishing up at the Gate. Where the conversation continues about just what the President might  be up to.  And it will be awhile before the Gate is ready to move to indoor dining. Getting  outdoor ready was challenge enough.

By the time we gather for Open Mic, the news reports that the President  is being medevaced via helicopter to Walter Reede Hospital. Our day is slow getting  underway as everyone offers their own opinion. Our national story has become a badly scripted soap opera. It could even be funny but….