Clinton Township Newsletter

3 j u n e 2 0 2 0 What a difference a couple of months makes... The thing I keep telling myself these days is that pandemics have been happening since the beginning of mankind – this is just the first time we've ever lived through one. And the main thing IS to live through it. In last month's May issue, the quotes I used throughout all had the theme of endurance. This month's issue quotes are about perseverance. You can see where we're at as a nation, and where I am as well. While I've been alive for many amazing chapters in our country's history, I don't ever remember living through an event that affected the entire globe. So many lives have been lost, and even more jobs and businesses have gone away. Most of us are feeling whiplash now. Some people in different parts of the U.S. are rebelling against all of the regulations, thinking that perhaps this Covid-19 virus has been overblown. Trying to put myself in their shoes, I can imagine it must be weird to have everything shut down around you, to lose valuable business and jobs when you don't see any signs of sickness in your town. Here in New Jersey, however, we don't have that luxury. Our state has been the second hardest hit in the nation, after New York. For residents of states with very low numbers of infection, it must feel very unreal to have to shut their businesses, social distance themselves and wear masks in public, but for us, the danger feels very real. It hasn't been all bad – there have been some silver linings for me. Our three twenty-something kids have all been home with us for about two months now, and we have my mother living with us too. With this quarantine, we've had family dinners every night. Having all six of us in the house really only happens at Christmas time, until now. The first morning the kids were all home, I felt like we should be opening Christmas presents. Overall, it's been a really peaceful time for me. While they appreciate the family time, my older two kids are unfortunately paying rent for apartments that they aren't currently living in, and my youngest is enrolled in a college that he doesn't now physically attend. Their fun young lives have been put on hold indefinitely but, then again, so have those of absolutely everyone else. And when will my husband and I feel comfortable about our daughter returning to NYC? For that matter, when will NYC return to its pre-pandemic state? I feel so blessed to be living in Hunterdon County during a pandemic quarantine. Social distancing isn't easy psychologically, but we have a lot of beautiful outdoor space and trails to soften the blows of this time. We are blessed to be here. I'm guessing that a lot of formerly city folk will view living in the country very differently now, as we pretty much do. I think about our healthcare workers every day. Even though my family and I are doing okay, I remind myself that many people are going through hell right now. I know people who have lost loved ones and a great many who have been sick. And again, the blow to our economy has been staggering. I also feel for all of the kids who are graduating now but missing out, not only on the actual graduation ceremony, but on all of the parties, proms, and goodbye hugs as well. I happily read about all of the creative weddings that are taking place these days, and I feel sad about all of the funerals and memorial services that have been postponed or just cancelled altogether. Speaking of which, I would love to hear what Ruth would make of all of this. At the same time, I know that she would have been worried sick about her loved ones, friends, and the country, so I guess it's a good thing that she's resting in peace. June always makes me think of the beach, but as of this writing we don't know when we'll get to go there again, so this month's cover is a nostalgic beach theme. I hope we can go back soon! I know we'll get through all of this – wiser and more resilient than ever before. In the meantime, I hope you and your families stay healthy and safe! C U S T O M PA I N T F I N I S H Transformations for Your Cabinetry & Furniture • D E S I G N 9 0 8 . 8 3 2 . 6 0 3 2 T E W K S B U R Y OUR ADVERTISERS SUPPORT US. PLEASE HELP US BY SUPPORTING THEM. Carol Beder's "If you are going through hell, keep going." ~ Winston Churchill SHADES | MOTORIZED SHADES | BLINDS | DRAPES | PLANTATION SHUTTERS You Deserve Them! 908.236.2688 14 Lebanon Plaza n WindowExpressionsNJ.com – Julie Fl�nn

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