Months ago when I selected, Uncovering a New Version of You, as the subject for the April Writing Workshop topic, I had no idea the world would be turned upside down with an unseen enemy virus, COVID-19. This will certainly be a spring season to remember. Just as the tragedy of 911 reshaped our nation in ways we never imagined, so we’re in for a second shaping. This time, the whole world is feeling the effects.

Starting a few weeks ago, a new version of ourselves was introduced with the fanfare of fear and of the unknown. I had never noticed the tern, “social distancing” before, and certainly didn’t practice it. There was no way to anticipate the shutdown of our entire nation. I never dreamed I would see masked citizens and closed playgrounds. Police tape is wrapped around park benches to avoid sitting. Every form of entertainment shut down except for walking and even that has the mark of this new “beast.” I was stopped by the police and asked to leave a favorite walking spot near my home.

“Sorry Lady, this campus is closed for walking due to the virus.”