I’M GOING IN

What prompted this piece: I live in New Jersey, the state second hardest hit by corona-virus.

It was finally the day. The day I had to go to the grocery store. We’d eaten everything in the pantry and there was no more “magical” meals I could make.

My son Alex could sense my anxiety as I got ready to leave.

“Okay I have my mask.” I held it up.

“Maybe you should practice putting it on.” he suggested.

“Good idea!” I went to the front hall mirror and placed the two elastic strap over my head being careful not the hit my glasses. One strap was around the back of my neck while the other was near the top of my head. Snapping the elastic straps in place my hair instantly stuck to the side of my face making me look like a taller version of Cousin Itt from the Addams Family. “How’s that?” I asked as I turned around for Alex to see.

Alex shook his head. “Maybe you should put your hair back, otherwise you’re going to use your hands to get you hair away from your face.”

“Good idea!” I took the mask off, grabbed my ponytail holder off my wrist and tied it back. “Okay, now that I’ve got that figured out it’s time to get my other supplies.” I went into the kitchen to get a small sandwich bag out of the drawer. Holding it up to show Alex. “I can put my gloves in here and not on the seat of my car when I’m done.”

Alex nodded his head. “Good.”

I opened the cabinet under the kitchen sink and pulled out a pair of plastic gloves then grabbed the container of disinfecting wipes from the counter and tucked them under my arm. “To wipe down the cart.” I grabbed my purse from off the chair. “Okay I think I’m ready to go.” I headed for the front door.

Alex patted me on the back as he held the door for me. “Good luck.”

I quickly walked to the car, just wanting to get this whole ordeal done with. Getting in the front seat I threw my purse on the passenger seat. But realizing I didn’t want to bring my purse into the store I reached in, got my wallet, and took my credit card out laying that on the front seat. I popped the trunk and got out of the car dropped my purse in the trunk and closed the lid.

Getting back in the car I looked over at my mask, gloves, credit card, sandwich bag and disinfectant wipes. I looked down at my outfit making sure everything I was wearing was machine washable so when I got home everything could go in the laundry.

“Okay, I think I’m ready.” I took a deep breath and was just ready to start the car when Alex came out of the house and began walking towards me. I opened the window.

Alex looked in. “You really look stressed. Maybe you should go over in your head exactly what you’re going to do when you get to the store.”

I nodded. “I just did.”

“So, you’re all set?”

I looked over at the passenger seat once again. “Oh wait! I forgot the shopping list!” I looked back at Alex. “I left it on the kitchen counter.”

“I’ll get it.” he turned and began walking towards the house. I’m pretty sure I saw him shaking his head.