By: Stuart Adelberg
It can be comforting to use “truisms,” simple expressions of the obvious, to cope with difficult situations. “This too, shall pass” and “We’re in this together” are helping us remain optimistic amid today’s terrible pandemic. In order to limit the spread of COVID 19, we have substituted many of the activities we once cherished with other activities, yet these substitutes are only partially successful at filling the void. I believe this can be explained by another truism, “it’s not the activities we miss, it’s the people.”
We are months into a crisis that has tragically taken lives while revealing the selfless heroism of health care providers and other essential members of our workforce. In our efforts to contain this virus, we are appropriately staying home and forsaking many of the activities we once took for granted. I can’t remember the last time we went to a restaurant, a library or theater. Visits to retail establishments are limited to “necessities” and even places of worship are closed.
We have continued to eat, more than most will admit, through creative home cooking and take-out meals. Many have read more books in a month than they have in a year. Thousands have caught up on movies by streaming them on digital devices. Some of us are spending more than we should, shopping online and religious observances have moved to Zoom!
I am guilty of all the above, and then some. Among new activities, my wife and I have taken advantage of the Avon Theatre’s virtual cinema to watch wonderful movies. I was previously one of those who vigorously eschewed streaming movies. I believed, as I do today, that great films were meant to be seen on the big screen for which they were created, and I understandably feared the impact of streaming media on the vitality and future of theaters. Though the Avon’s exceptional selection of online films has been a welcome gift that I encourage readers to try, I am now convinced that streaming can never replace our beloved theaters.
The activities cited above help sustain us through days of separation, but the joy each of them provides is limited. The following is what has become obvious to me as I eat, read, shop, watch movies, and observe holidays at home: wonderful restaurants provide much more than food. . . quality libraries are not simply repositories for books. . . an inspiring concert isn’t just for hearing music. . . local retailers offer us more than the products on their shelves. . . religious traditions are not merely repetitive actions. . . and, of course, the wonderful experience of “going to the movies” is not solely defined by what we see on the screen.
Theaters, restaurants, stores, libraries, religious sanctuaries and so many other valued places bring people together to share experiences and create a sense of community. The activity that occurs in each of these venues can certainly happen alone and in a different locale – but it is the gathering and the people that make the experience meaningful. This is among the losses brought on by this pandemic and as much as we try, it cannot be replaced at home.
I pray that this crisis will soon come to an end, that the afflicted will recover and that our “heroes” will safely and successfully complete their missions. I believe, when this happens, that we will carefully, very cautiously, yet enthusiastically go back to enjoying the activities, special places and wonderful people that truly make life worth living! See you there!
