One of our News & Guts supporters sent us her thoughts on self-quarantining and we wanted to share it with you.

From: Pamela Busfield in Austin, TX

I expect to read a number of stories of the struggles some people are facing during this crisis. So in contrast, I just wanted to take a moment to share the fact that I am grateful today and each day.

I am 71 years old, retired, and grateful for the fact that I have good health insurance, on the chance that I do get sick. (I strongly support a universal health care program because everyone should have the peace of mind that I have, knowing you have access to medical care without the worry of the cost).

I am grateful that my financial situation has not changed because of this crisis, as I still receive my state retirement and my social security checks to cover my expenses. I don’t have any stocks or investments so I’m not all frantic with what’s happening with the stock market.

I’m grateful that I have my little doggie to keep me company, two loving daughters who call to check on me each day, all the groceries I need, art supplies, books, and music to make my self-distancing a rather pleasant experience. (A little secret. I sometimes practice this self-distancing thing even when there is no crisis. Calms the mind).

My heart goes out to those whose lives have been turned upside down, those whose health has been affected, and those who have died from this virus. I’m terrified for our country and the rest of the world. At this point, I know there is not a lot I can do to be helpful. I feel like I’m doing my part by staying home and not adding to the problem. And I check on my family and friends, to keep them from going nuts. Some of them don’t handle the isolation as well as I do.

And the last thing that comes to mind this morning that I am grateful for is mail-in ballots. And I can’t wait to send in my vote on November 3, 2020. Until then……