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Pandemic and Isolation


My wife mentioned to me that we need to document this surreal pandemic. It is tough to even describe the “everyday tasks” we now take for granted. In Idaho where I live, the governor has issued a “stay at home” order. Most people do not know what that really means.

"Liquor and gun stores" are essential yet
accounting firms are not? If this is the Apocalypse, maybe one of the four horsemen in Revelations will be drunk with a gun.

 The unknown is scaring the whole world. The widgets of our worldwide economy are disrupted. People are starting to realize the term “social distancing” and “supply chain” issues. The heralded digital economy is great. However, the bottom line is farmers and the dependent businesses make the whole world work.

In my small universe, I am dealing with the unknown ramifications of the pandemic.  

I am on the Board of the College of Western Idaho. We serve around 34,000 students in several locations. The college is aggressively working to deliver education “on-line” through different methods. We have always used different platforms such as online, in classrooms, and hybrid (classroom and online.) Today, we are quickly converting our programs for online.

There are devils in the details. It is easier to deliver a history class with a wonderful professor remotely than to do diesel technology or welding.  

What about graduations? I am not willing to shake hundreds of hands. Some students do not have access to internet or a computer. 

I am on another board dealing with affordable housing in Idaho. We have loan programs, rental assistance, rentals, etc. With the economy crumbling and “stay at home orders” people are not sure they can make their mortgage or rent payments. I am particularly worried about domestic violence in these situations.

I helped form a stroke support group several years ago. I chair the group every Wednesday in a local hospital. It is the Idaho Aphasia, Apraxia, and Dysarthria. I have a Facebook group as well. I have cancelled the “in person meetings” until the hospital deems this situation “safe.”  


I worry about my fellow survivors. Strokes, aphasia, apraxia, and dysarthria are already isolating. I have decided to make a short video every week just to “check in.”  

On a personal note, my immediate family is “shelter in place” for the most part. My wife takes care of her mother, our son and me. She strategically shops, uses masks, and gloves. My son goes back to school tomorrow. However, his world now is his laptop where he is expected to complete his school work remotely. The school takes attendance and he interacts with is teachers, counselors, etc.  

Like every family, we are exploring so new unknowns.  
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Rebecca Dutton said…
Your service to your community is inspiring.
March 31, 2020 at 6:08 AM
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