A Pandemic and Our Great Divide

“Mom, do you have groceries in?

“For what?”

“The Coronavirus is going to keep getting worse over the next few weeks. How long could you go on the food you have now?”

“About a week.”

“You need more.”

“Oh, for God’s sake.”

“Mom, I’m serious.”

“The media is making a big deal of it. And Chuck Schumer that liar said it was a pandemic!”

“Mom, WHO GIVES A SHIT WHAT CHUCK SCHUMER SAYS? I’m trying to have a serious conversation here.”

“Well …”

“And since you’re in the age group that is most vulnerable, I think you should reconsider going to that bridal shower this weekend.”

“GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE.”

****

That conversation took place the morning of March 11. I was standing in front of my grocery store in Hoboken, N.J., getting prepped, and wanted to reach out and check in on my elderly parents. So, yes, on my end of the phone, the yelling at my mother took place on a public sidewalk.

Exasperated when she ended the conversation with a frosty, “Thanks for your concern,” I proceeded to take care of my grocery needs for the coming disaster.