Tracy Ruckman

We've entered a new stage of life for all of us worldwide this week. The coronavirus (COVID-19), which I will abbreviate as CV, has impacted us all, and we're just in the beginning stages of dealing with it here in the United States. I've always seen our country as being strong and resilient, but right now, the world is watching and we're whining about having to stay home with our kids. When did "home" become a bad place to be? Why aren't our homes our sanctuaries and safe places? [And yes, I'm well aware that there are homes out there that aren't so safe or happy, but this blog post isn't directed to those.] As I've watched this story unfold, I've seen countless memes and posts about things to do while we're "stuck at home." I've seen things like cleaning, organizing, binging on Netflix or family movies, homeschool, and as of last night, even putting out Christmas decorations. While none of these activities are ...

I’m not afraid of getting the Coronavirus, I’m not afraid of dying (if you’d like to know why, send me a note). I’m not panicked about the illness, not panicked about anything. I am concerned though, at the thought that I, or that anyone else, could be a carrier of this virus to my loved ones, without even knowing it, because of the germs picked up somewhere randomly. So yes, please wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and please, please stay home if you are sick. Now is NOT the time to go visiting, NOT the time to go shopping, NOT the time to party. Now is NOT the time to “push through” the sickness to be a superhero at work. IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY HOME. But I have been preparing, and will continue to prepare as the need arises. Not out of fear, but prudence. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve observed people on social media and in the public ridicule and mock people who decided to stock up in case of possible quarantine due to the C...