The phrase “shelter in place” took on new meaning last night. After getting a tornado warning on my phone, I walked into the house and asked where one might go if a tornado decided to drop in on us. The hallway, with all the doors closed, was the answer. That made sense; it’s in the center of the house and it doesn’t have any windows. Sort of like what I learned to do with earthquakes when I was growing up in California: get away from glass and stay low in a door frame or other strong structure.
On this morning’s walk, I was thinking the different meanings of “shelter” in life. There are the shelters we live in, be it trailer or condo or house. (And in this pandemic time, may it be a comfortable shelter, too.) We have homeless shelters and women’s shelters. There are pet shelters and bus shelters. Some cities used to have fallout shelters but I haven’t any of those in ages.
There are also emotional shelters: families of blood and families of choice, friends in circles large and small. I was reminded of this kind of shelter yesterday, too. I spent an hour chatting with two old friends via Zoom. We talked full-speed, catching up on kids, home projects, and the state of COVID-19 in our respective cities. To end the call, our UK friend took her mobile phone outside to the street, where everyone was clapping and making noise to support healthcare workers. Two more kinds of shelters, for the sick: hospitals and the people who provide care there.
We shelter inside our homes now, wondering what the world will be like when we rejoin the big world out there. What will society be like? Will some things now matter little and other things have much greater importance? How will people recover, emotional and financially? All good questions, with no answers yet.
The only suggestion I have? Let’s figure out how to give each other shelter each other as we move forward. When someone is having a hard day, give them space and give them support. When fear overcomes someone, listen to them talk until it passes. Help a friend figure out their next move or make new long-term plans.
If society changes because of this – and it must – then let it change for the better. The storms of 2020 are far from over, but we can help each other through them by giving shelter to those we love.
Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief)
I’m overwhelmed by this blog. So much so that I can’t find the right words to express how wise you are becoming. Love you, Barb G from Osceola, Wisconsin
Love the quote! Great blog read!!! Glad you made it through last night’s storm and could shelter us with your words today!
Thank you, Robin! I have been saving that quotation for the right day 🙂
Kindness, compassion, empathy — some of us are using this time to practice more. I hope with you that these qualities are maintained and strengthened as we move forward.
Love your ending quote!!
Been thinking of you two, hope you’re enjoying the new house. No idea when I’ll get back to OR at this point 🙁
Perfect to end your post with the quote from Orlean. Your commentary gets richer with each piece you write.
Robin
Well said friend.