The scariest part of my trip to the ER today was not what was currently wrong with me--at worst, treatable blood clots, pain--but the thought of getting sick while there and bringing it home. It did not help that I didn't have a room due to overcrowding and was out in the hallway

Some days I feel more vulnerable than others, but mostly I've settled into a calm about the new state of things. Most of my hours are spent at home quietly with the family. Being in the ER made me realize in a deeper way how "essentially workers" have long felt. It's humbling.

I haven't said anything about our mask wars, but if you are not wearing them when you are in close contact with others, I hope you will reconsider. It makes those who don't have a choice about whether to be in the same room with you safer. That should matter to you!

And so many people don't have a meaningful choice--they need something and have to put themselves at risk. I get that masks are annoying but think of it as an opportunity to grow in virtue: humility, fortitude, generosity, and yes, charity.

I'm not into shaming people about this, its just an invitation to see clearly the vulnerability of others and consider the claims it makes on you. I think it's a small claim, but an important one. So much of virtue lies in small sacrifices made without fuss or fanfare.