Yesterday I needed to pick up of few necessities at the store. Seeing the widespread chaos and panic constantly portrayed online since the Carona virus became known, I had no idea what I would be up against. Because I only needed a few things and not a whole grocery bill, I decided to opt for the local Dollar General in place of the nearest Walmart. Without having any medical masks I decided to improvise with my cold weather UTV mask. Not sure it did any good but it was probably better than nothing. Although I did look pretty ridiculous!
It was a smart move on my part. Even though the parking lot was full and no handicapped parking was available, I was able to park out aways and take two spaces allowing me to let down my handicapped van lift to exit and re-enter my van. I did have to leave my van wide-open to prevent anyone from pulling into the space beside me and blocking my ability to get back into my vehicle. I know most people would never dream of leaving their automobile wide open while they were away from it shopping but it is the only alternative when there are no handicapped van parking spots left. You just have to make sure you don’t leave any valuables inside like your cell phone or billfold.
Anyways I was able to find most everything that I needed. I did notice that they were out of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer. There was also no toilet paper or paper towels on the shelves. Fortunately for me, one of the Ladies re-stocking noticed me looking at the empty paper products aisle and asked me if I was needing any toilet tissue? After I ask her, “Why, do you have any?”, She replied yes. We have some in the back saved. I know she was being kind and benevolent towards me, but I also know that it was because I was shopping alone in a wheelchair. My first thought was to reply with a thank you but my bottom isn’t any more precious than the next customer. But I guess desperate times call for desperate measures. She also asked if I needed any baby wipes because they had those back in storage too. I told her no thanks to the baby wipes. Save those for some Mother needing them for her baby. I did take her up on the toilet tissue even though we weren’t completely out at home. So if anyone is running low just give me a call.
Everyone working at the store was extremely nice and courteous. All of the shoppers were calm and tried to keep several feet distance from each other. I only noticed one gentleman wearing gloves while I was there. No one was wearing a mask. I guess that didn’t really surprise me. We live in a rural area of NE Texas. The virus has just been confirmed in the two Counties I reside so panic so far has been at a minimum.
Who knows what the future will hold. I try to not get caught up in all of the drama. My life personally has not changed all that much. All of my kids are raised so I’m not having to homeschool any of them. We aren’t big socializers except when we are out traveling and our travels have just had to be pushed back a few months. We haven’t had to do much re-adjusting. I do miss inviting friends and family over to sit around a campfire, listening to music and enjoy a few adult beverages. I consider myself one of the lucky ones! I do feel for everyone who’s life has been affected by this pandemic. I hope the President’s plan to curb the spread will be successful and that everyone will be able to go back to normal living conditions soon.
