My Insightful Week During COVID-19 | #SUBLIMESUNDAY; #THOUGHTFULDAILYPOST; #IAMALIVECHALLENGE

I'd planned busy week offline with numerous tasks on my list. Several items that should have been taken care of before now were at a deadline. So I began what I thought was going to be a productive seven days. The week started out a somewhat normal one. But by Wednesday afternoon, things turned decidedly Lemony Snicket kind of week.

TRIP TO RENEW MY LICENSE TO DRIVE

Our State Department of Public Safety shut down their public service in mid March. We were given a 60-day extension to renew our drivers license once the facilities reopened. The clock started again in Mid June.

Reopening during the pandemic demanded the State take a different approach in handling the hundreds of individuals visiting the facilities each day. By the time I made my appointment online, Wednesday, July 29 was the earliest date I could secure.

So on Wednesday, I set out early to make sure I was on time for my noon appointment. The moment I arrived I had an uneasy feeling this appointment was not going to go smoothly.

First, no one was allowed inside the facility. No explanation was given. The facilitators then informed everyone the three tents set up outside were to screen for COVID-19 by taking temperatures. A single line extended around the sidewalk of the parking lot that beckoned to me to go to the end of it. I complied. Thirty minutes later, I had only moved a few feet due to social distancing. It was muggy that day. I looked up at the sky and saw a line of ominous clouds heading our way.

Next, a facilitator approached and placed a wristband on my arm. He advised me to use my phone to check in. I couldn't connect, so he took my driver's license and moved to the next person in line. Another thirty minutes passed and he hadn't returned with any news or my license.

By then, the dark clouds that you see in the upper left hand corner of the photo brought with it several gusts of wind that toppled the three tents. We stood there watching as the tents headed toward the parked cars. The workers rushed to save the tents. They returned and went inside the building, locking the doors. Before I could secure my phone in my purse, a downpour ensued that drenched everyone in line. Many headed toward their cars. Others rushed to the front of the building.

I was among those who rushed to the building for some type of cover. Panic ensured as all in line was pleading for the workers to open the doors so we could enter. State orders forbid it we were told. So much for social distancing. I was dropped off so I didn't have a car to provide cover from the downpour. On top of that, my umbrella was at another appointment.

Finally, I was able to get the attention of the worker who returned my license together with a wet ticket that read #0266. I asked someone next to me what was their number. Upon hearing it, I placed my license and phone inside my purse, stepped away from the crowd, and called my husband to come get me immediately. I didn't want to remain in that crowd any longer.

Luckily, he'd finished his appointment and was headed to my location. By the time he arrived, I was completely soaked. I headed home with no license renewed. I have until mid August to try again. I have another appointment, but at a different location. Meanwhile, I'm trying not to get sick from the elements.

NEIGHBORHOOD ICON

On Friday evening around 5:00 pm, I rushed to the television to witness the roof collapse in a fire that burned a building to the ground. It was a long time, solid business in Southeast Houston. You could say the family-owned business was the "heart of the Community there for over 30 years.

^{Source](https://abc13.com/houston-fire-whats-on-in-grocery-store/6345965/)}

The Supermarket is a haven for the thousands of neighborhood residents who depend on the market for all their grocery needs. The market sells meat packages for those who can't afford to travel to visit the larger outlets, such as Sam's Club and Costco. These two chains are not located nearby.

My family frequents Jim's Meat Market monthly to purchase their community famous "Louisiana boudain" links. Their recipe is one of a kind. I've eaten numerous boudin over the years, even in establishments in Louisiana, and none compare. Not only that, people travel from all areas of the city just to purchase their famous sausage. The market creates two versions: spicy and mild.

We love to support that small family-owned business. It's also supporting the local community as well.

Each year I purchase three or four full pans of their mixture that feeds about 300 family members. Family members from all over the country look forward to it each year, knowing that it will definitely be on the menu.

As I sat there in shock, I could not help but think of the employees who would lose their jobs. They were always pleasant, friendly, and helpful.

The manager was able to evacuate everyone in the building so that no lives were lost. The owner vows to rebuild this iconic business for the neighborhood.

FAMILY / REUNION:

Today I was devastated when I learned that nine (9) members in one our of family groups were infected with COVID-19. A few weeks ago, they had a get-together for about 15 people. Since it was out of town, my family didn't attend. We would not have attended in any event.

We have warned them many times. That's probably why they didn't invite my immediate family. This is not the first time this has happened to our family. A few months ago, at least two different family groups had multiple members infected when they chose not to adhere to the safety precautions. I can only keep reminding them.

^{Image by Syaibatulhamdi from Pixabay}

Several members of that one family who held the cookout are on our Family Reunion Committee. Our reunion was cancelled later this year. We will try again in 2021.

It doesn't matter what end of the spectrum you're on when filtering through the information being spread that this virus isn't real. I can tell you: IT IS. And it has effected numerous members of my family on both sides. It saddens me to think that millions of people refuse to protect themselves and their families.

I hope that a vaccine is discovered in the immediate future so the entire world will never have to see the full extent to which this virus can ravage our planet if left unchecked.

This has indeed been a Lemony Snicket kind of week for me.