(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

Since COVID hit the world, have you ever felt like you’re in some thriller movie or in a bad dream you can’t wake up from? I’ve been feeling that way sometimes. When I was a teenager I watched all those scary sci-fi and futuristic movies on late night TV. There was everything from the government keeping track of people and what they purchased by electronic chips in their wrists to cars that drove themselves for you. There were zombies after people while they rushed around like maniacs trying to get basic living supplies and food. People acting like everyone else was a threat and they had to hide in small groups to be safe. And of course, there was war-time rationing in old movies, too.

I don’t know about you but when COVID hit this area it scared me. I felt I had to keep my husband home alone to be safe because he has breathing problems. I was the one out there searching for any toilet tissue and paper towels. If any of my little circle of family and friends found our favorite brands available we had a call list to let the others know because we were only allowed one per person. With masks on we could no longer smile at others as we shopped. We had to keep our distance from everyone except our little group or we might die from this deadly disease. After 3 months my husband ventured out to sit on our front porch. The neighbors asked, “So the warden let you out?”

Many people became isolated and some still are. Will this threat ever end?

I’ve seen commercials of cars that park themselves and even ones that can drive you with something like GPS assistance. You can be found through your cell phone or car’s standard features. Debit cards are preferred over cash. How long will it be before the microchips to find lost pets and loved ones with Alzheimer will be the government preferred type of currency for all of us?

Most of the time I enjoy time with my family and close friends, especially the visits from my grandchildren, but there are days when I’m right back in that old thriller movie afraid to go out around “Them.” You know, those strangers who might give you that disease or might fight you for that last package of toilet tissue. At least we don’t have zombies.

I’m sending my warmest wishes to you because I have decided to smile at everyone I pass by again. There is no more “Them.” I want to get back to it’s all about “Us.”

Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton

Vienna