In this time of uncertainty, I thought I'd share this drawing my next-door neighbor Ayala (age 8) made for me. She couldn't actually give it to me. Her dad took a photo of her drawing and emailed it to me. I told Ayala to keep it, and that I hoped some day she would be able to hand it to me so I could frame it. I also asked Ayala if I could share her drawing with my family and friends, and she was thrilled.

I've been self-quarantining for the past 8 days. I'm in several high risk groups so I'm being as cautious as possible. I've had so many neighbors and friends asking if I needed any groceries or other help. I feel well taken care of. Fortunately, I'm pretty well stocked up for now. I got a little used to all this when I had to be in isolation for several months during my stem cell transplant. But, back then, I had Tim with me. This time, at least, I can go outside, garden and tend to my fish pond. When I had my transplant, I wasn't allowed to garden for a year, and had to wear a heavy duty hepa-filter mask any time I went out of the house.

I've also been taking walks almost every day. Even though we're under mandatory shelter-in-place in California, we are allowed to go out for walks provided we keep our 6 foot social distance. So, every morning, I drive off to a park, meet one of my friends who also drives there, and we hike together but 6 feet apart. Although we do discuss the latest corona virus news, we also try to enjoy the outdoors. Nature can be really healing, and I'm blessed with so many beautiful places very close by.

I've had to cancel most of my planned trips. I'm holding off canceling my trip to Milwaukee to help my dad celebrate his 100th birthday in May. I don't think it will be possible, but Dad tells me that we'll just celebrate some time in the future. I check in with him every morning and evening via videophone. Dad is doing remarkably well so far. Ironically, he's always preferred to stay in his apartment, cook and clean for himself instead of socializing with the other deaf residents in his building.

I hope all of you are staying healthy and weathering this crisis. This has definitely been a time for us all to pull together even if we can't be physically close.