“Don’t Let People Pull You Into Their Storm, Pull Them Into Your Peace” — old prayer, (Photo by Maria Wulf)

I admit to being confused about this virus that is suddenly in all of our lives, and which will, in one way or another affect all of us. Every time I mention something about the virus, people tell me I’m mistaken.

And they may be right. How can I know?

This morning, I went to my pharmacy and learned that there is now a panic run on toilet paper, for some reason. Nobody seems to know why, but it started in Europe, as many trends do.

I’m not contributing to the panic, I’m not loading up on toilet paper. (We always have the woods), like the other animals.)

Politicians are saying one thing, doctors another (and not always the same thing). I think it’s upon me to make common sense judgments as I can, and be open to changing them daily.

A doctor friend who works at the CDC (I wrote about AIDS when I was a reporter) says to expect a couple of bumpy months before things settle down. They will settle down he says. He also says that most older people who contract this virus recover fully, a small, tragic core of sick older people don’t.

My pharmacist, who I trust totally, says do not let anyone tell me I can’t go outside in Washington County, New York. He wants to go see the penguins at the Bronx Zoo.

Panic is pointless, he says. It doesn’t make anybody safe.

Just continue to live your life, my CDC doctor friend says, and do something that makes you feel better, like spraying with anti-bacterial soap or making your own.

Eunice Krecek of California and Connecticut sent me this prayer about storms and peace this morning, along with a lovely letter and a check for $175 for the Mansion and Bishop Magin so I can continue my work with the Army Of Good.

My plan is to continue doing this good work, but scaling it down, even more, to ease the pressure on people during a confusing time. This is truly a time for small acts of great kindness.

If you can’t help, I understand, if you can, please contribute whatever you can to me via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion/Refugee Fund, P.O.   Box 206, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. This work is more necessary than ever.

I don’t wish to walk away from people who depend on me, this work will long outlast this frightening pandemic. I feel considerable peace in this turmoil. Help if it is safe for you and comfortable, and either way, thanks.

I believe it feels good to do good. Both the Mansion and Bishop Maginn High School tells me I am welcome, the danger, if any, is to me.

I am not going to let people pull me into their storm, I’d prefer to pull them into my peace.