For example, I am isolating myself from all large groups right now, because I have one parent who is definitely going to need me, and another who might.
But if you are lucky enough to have parents under sixty who are healthy, think about how you might help people who need to isolate. First, have you reached out to people around you who might be unaware to make sure they know?
But second, how can you help them through a really sucky time? Skype visits? Daily emails and phone calls? Can you be their personal shopper? Could you put a giant greeting card in their yard to cheer them up?
I'm fond of saying we'd make a revolutionary difference, for ourselves and others, if we all just tried to be 5% better as parents, neighbors, spouses, friends, citizens. If you're young and healthy, this is a good time to think about ways you could be just a little more giving.
I include myself--this mini-tweetstorm has made me aware that I have neighbors I could ask after, instead of just focusing on my parents.
In the meantime, call your Mom and let her complain about the squirrels eating her tulip bulbs as long as she wants.
