We are among the very lucky. Everyone has a unique story to tell about the way COVID-19 has affected their lives and that of their loved ones. I'm going to use this rather public format to let you in on our private story – and not without some level of discomfort.  

On February 20th, my father "Daddy" was admitted to the hospital. Daddy lives in Nova Scotia. Until that date, Daddy was a very spry 90. Very independent -- even able to drive until shortly before "the event.” I naively came to his side, thinking that I could get him back to his sunny apartment and life would shortly return to normal. At 90, we do not just bounce back. Daddy saw what dementia did to family members, and when he started seeing signs in himself, he sold his home and downsized to a sunny one-bedroom apartment in an adult living community. His health event brought down his defenses; the dementia has taken over his world. We have moments of normalcy, but most days he requires help with every task. Each day he is falling further down the rabbit hole of dementia. 

So, what does this have to do with COVID-19? As the owner of Beach Treasures in Duck, I have many responsibilities. Under normal circumstances, I would be driving and flying back and forth...North Carolina to Nova Scotia.  My plan was to train caregivers and come back and forth. Now with 14 days of isolation on each side of the border, that option is gone. Now I leave this apartment only for necessary supply runs. Now I have the freedom to detach from the day-to-day of running the business and focus on Daddy's well being.

I'm so lucky to have this time with him! I'm lucky that even in this stage of his life, he is a kind and gentle man, as well as a gentleman.

I'm so lucky to be here for every clear moment he has. 

I'm so lucky to have tucked him into bed last night and have him say "I love you darlin' forever, and ever, and ever.”

I'm so lucky to have had this man as my Daddy! 

For about 30 years, Daddy was a world news reporter, editorial writer, and editor for newspapers. I can't imagine what he would have written about these unprecedented times we are living in. I hope I have done him justice in this little memo, and that this very private man would understand my need to put this out there.

I hope for all of you, that you are able to take some of this forced time off and be together with your family -- to appreciate the ones you love most, forever, and ever, and ever.