Ask Amy: Offering hope regarding the endless pandemic
Viruses causing other pandemics and epidemics — including polio — still exist, but we live with them, mitigating the risks.
Your choice to trust some initial reports that this would last for two weeks was understandable, but this viral outbreak didn’t last for two weeks.
After the tragedy of 9/11, we adjusted to our “new normal.” Nations rise and fall; natural disasters buffet our landscape. Life can be very hard.
In terms of your own physical and mental health, you can get out – and you should get out. You should spend as much time as possible outdoors. You can safely meet people for walks or visits outside. You can minimize the health risk to you and others by mask wearing, social distancing, and washing your hands well. Humans are social beings, and spending time safely with other people will be good for your health.
You can also examine your internet usage to see what is helping and what might be harming your mental health.
Also, pick up a book. There are many different ways to experience the richness of being in the world. Reading a good novel is one of them.
Dear Amy: My late husband was a very admired Boy Scout leader. He was given many handmade gifts from his Scouts over the years.
He has been gone now for over two years and I am trying my best to go through his (many) things and decide what to keep and what to donate.
My adult children do not want these particular mementos made by others, and I'm not sure what to do with them.
Is it rude to offer them back to the person that made the gift?
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