Facebook Post by Rabbi Perlin in the Time of Coronavirus (3/26/2020)
Thursday Post 3/26/20: FOFO
by Rabbi Amy R. Perlin, D.D.
I woke up at 4 A.M. today and spent the next few hours debating about going to Giant at 6 A.M., when seniors are permitted to shop early. I showered. I was up. I didn’t want Gary to go out, as you know he is older than I am, and I want him protected. But, I couldn’t do it. We have enough eggs for now, and I can’t eat salad anyway. Whatever is on the list can wait. So, I have FOFO – Fear of a Food Outing. You may have it, too.
I went shopping last Friday and haven’t left the house since. We do have what we need for the two of us, please don’t worry. There is a prescription at CVS, the dry cleaning is ready, and both cars are full of things that we were hoping to move to the new condo by ourselves. But, we are staying put. After I teach my class for TBS at 1 P.M., and Gary finishes his Zoom Board meeting, maybe we’ll take a walk out here in the woods. But, I’m not going to a grocery store or any other place for errands.
Webster defines “fear” as “a feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, etc.; timidity; dread; terror; fright; apprehension. A feeling of uneasiness; disquiet, anxiety, or concern.”
I have most of the above. Not feeling terror or fright, but certainly angry at the evil perpetrated by a lack of real leadership and protection of our medical first responders and most vulnerable citizens. And I dread watching the news updates, but I watch nonetheless.
I am a person of faith, but that faith is not blind. This won’t be over before Easter or Passover. Let’s get real and be safe. And Dr. Fauci says it will reappear again in a few months after it moves from here to the southern hemisphere, so I will be fearful for a while. We will all get on living, but I hope be more cautious that this could all resurface. We might even get back to LA at some point in 2020.
Eventually, I will suspend my fear and go to buy cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce for Gary, eggs, and bread. Not because I believe that God will protect me, but because, like you, the days ahead will have risks we may need to take. Eventually, we will unpack our cars, and someday, we will be able to move.
But, for now, I acknowledge my FOFO and am at peace with it. Just wanted you to know that you are not alone.