During the last week of school before the closure, we
started to be aware of social distancing, but not quite.
On the last day I
worked at school, I was at one of my favorite classes, with one of my favorite
assistants, and after a short hesitation we hugged. Later that day, at lunch, I
saw a friend, a teacher, and this time I hesitated a little longer as I know
her to be quite anxious about germs, but she did not seem to mind a hug. There
were six of us at a small lunch room, around a small table, not too aware or
worried about social distancing.
In one instance that day, when I worked at a different part
of the school where I seldom go, I saw a staff member I haven’t seen in a while.
When I offered a hug I noticed a clear hesitation, and this time I thought that
I should be more careful not to make people uncomfortable invading their space.
Everything has drastically changed few days later. Schools were
closed. People were distancing. Neighbors stopped casual meeting, friends
stopped socializing. Media warned us not to get close to anyone, and I started to
take it seriously.
Students are now at home, as well as all my friends from
school. Occasionally we text each other, or talk, nostalgically, about our fun routine
gatherings. We know it will be a while before we congregate for another casual
lunch break. Ironically, now even the most frustrating working moments at
school are remembered fondly.
I am paid for doing nothing, and feel guilty about that. What
about students’ families, many of whom cannot afford staying at home and missing
a paycheck? Hopefully feeding programs will continue, but would it be enough? And
what about their other needs?
It is a strange and worrisome time, where wonderful people
are doing wonderful things, especially health workers, and all I am doing is
staying at home and worrying… And at a time when everyone needs at least few
warm hugs a day, we are all asked to shelter in place and social distance…
