It's just easier this way

 Soon it will be the anniversary of my start date as a driver for the JCC.

Much has changed in the 4 years since I began there.

What started out as driving a bus 2 hours every weekday morning has become a full time job.

Well ,full time until Covid hit any way.

Not that I am working less.

It's just my schedule is different (and the full time salary has been cut in half).

We've all had to tighten our belts during these trying times.

I no longer pick up passengers on my bus.

Now instead we deliver meals.Ipads for our lending program and art supplies for the different classes we offer.

I no longer have personal contact with the community we serve.

Meals and supplies for the most part are left on doorsteps or with doormen.

It's easier that way.

There's no emotional attachment.

Working with seniors,always came with it's special price tag.

It was difficult watching as illness and aging took its toll on my patrons.

Now,I have little to no contact with them.

It's easier that way.

Same can be said for my personal life.

Pre-Covid, I was going to funerals on a fairly regular basis.

Now, I can't imagine that other than a very close family member, I will ever go to another one.

It's just easier this way.

Hospital visits, visiting sick friends, social gatherings with friends and relatives are all off of the table.

With all of the restrictions today we just don't do those things.

Bottom line, it's just easier now.

Life is just easier.

The strain on my emotional well being is so much less.

Like I said, it's just easier this way.

I suppose if one was to search for a silver lining to these very arduous times, this personal disconnect could be seen as one. It's just easier this way.

Shabbat Shalom!