I’m a social, organized, life-long learner. This has always served me well and particularly does so now.

For example, I belong to a Bridge Club. It’s a retirement plan to keep my brain active. The also allows my husband and me to interact with humans now that our work colleagues are out of our lives. Clearly, sitting at a card table touching the same equipment is not currently appropriate, yet I have not lost contact with this aspect of my life.

I’ve embraced playing bridge online. I’m not talking about the solitary game people play against three robots. I’m referring to real people, in real time. I can play bridge with strangers from around the world or, preferably, with friends whom I know and enjoy. We can continue our companionship even though we’re not in the same physical space. I learned the software quickly and just finished posting instructions, with screens shots, on our club’s Facebook site to help others. We’re all “seniors” and some find it difficult to adapt.

Our Board of Directors, on which I am the secretary because I know many words (ha, ha), needs to meet during this difficult time to discuss the financial challenge. So, yesterday I learned how to use Zoom. My 30-something daughter served as my training partner, and now I can reach-out to my peers. I will remotely hold their hands as they learn to interact in this digital manner. We will meet and move forward to keep the club alive.

I’m participating in an online writing project that emails daily prompts and has a means of posting work to share and support peers. I’m also doing a 30-day photo exercise that prompts me to seek images within my home, or on my isolated walks, again using social media to share inspiration and creativity.

I’m grateful to live in a country that’s safe, with good healthcare and access to technology, which of course is also allowing me to interact with you folks. These factors permit me to experience this situation as an intriguing challenge rather than a frightening trauma. I do not diminish the seriousness of the pandemic, but rather acknowledge my privilege during this time.

Stay well.