A Friday thank you

I have four different neighbors currently texting to offer shopping, just give them a list. Plus my son, just a list, Mom,done.

I think they're all in league to keep me at home cooking treats for them..

Here's a surprise that showed up yesterday, on the step.

 Asked by neighbor what I needed,I'd mentioned ginger and garlic, but said no hurry, just if you ever  happen to be in a shop that has them, since their trip was to a store that doesn't.  Not to make a special trip.

An hour later, these showed up. Payment firmly refused.

This kind of gesture doesn't just happen overnight. Years of friendship go into making a community, and the care goes both ways. I tend only to talk about what is done for me, but I'm sure you realize we've all done our bit for each other.

And right now the bread we've tossed on the water is coming back multiplied. It's such a help to feel valued when everything's frightening. And to feel useful.

 My state has now lost more people than we did on 9/11.   We're in the epicenter of the virus. Field hospitals operating, thousands of retired medics back as volunteers, revised licencing, cutting red tape to allow fully qualified immigrants with MDs from their home countries to practice in NJ.

Volunteers at food banks, making gowns, masks for medical personnel. Grocery workers in masks and gloves, sturdily working their shifts as usual. 

It feels as if the whole state is mobilized. Staying home out of the way, refraining from grumbling, being a cheerful presence, are such tiny things in comparison to people daily risking everything. But I think it helps.

And I think ginger and garlic just illustrate it all nicely.

So I'm thankful. And now I have to chop and freeze them.