Today our state governor mandated a "stay at home order."
I got laid off last week from my primary job, got in the car, drove to my second (very part time) job, and got hired (for at least 3 days a week/ part time/ 1/2 days) on the spot. Not quite a full time job, but not quite unemployed. Consider it the world's shortest unemployment stint.
I'm damn fortunate.
As I drove back from work today (In a certain car of german origin), I relished the open sunroof, the fresh spring air, and appreciated (in the context of the world having a 'bad moment')- just how understated and well the car was working.
And how I'm damn fortunate.
I got back to my mountain house (early- from only having to work a 1/2 day) and got straight to work getting the tractors ready for summer mowing. It was good to have grease in my hands. It was good to be sharpening the deck blades. Unlike yesterday's 40+ year old rusted deck with worn out zerks- today's decks were newer- accepted the grease with no issue.
I couldn't stop staring out at the mountains and the beautiful light on the yard and the mountains. One could easily forget all the world's problems in today's spring breeze.
-except-
As I got the tractors ready for mowing, I could hear fighting from the neighbors. They are about an acre away, the words weren't clear, but the desperation was. They were screaming at each other in anger.
Over time, it became evident they were under severe duress. From what I could surmise, one, or both had lost their jobs, and were unable to pay bills. This couple never fights. They are god fearing, hard working people, with strong morals and people who you'd be proud to have as neighbors. These are the people you give your spare house keys to- to safeguard your house.
But something was wrong. They were stressed, and taking their aggressions out on each other. "What do you want me to do?" was the only line I could make out, from an exasperated and defeated man.
I couldn't help but feel horrible for the situation. I couldn't help, nor am I in a position to help, but I couldn't avoid the feeling that I was hearing a worldwide duress, being played out in real time in the middle of what seemed to be a paradise to disconnected from the news.
I didn't dare now mow the lawn, as not to make the neighbors feel they needed to keep up with me.
In the end, it's just a field. The first spring mowing can wait.
I'm just really bummed. It could be my bridge to cross months/years from now. For most, a whole lot sooner. I wanted to go help, but that sure as heck was not the time to do so. Maybe in the next several days, as we wave from our tractors.
Wishing everyone the best.
ughhhhhh
