Does anyone remember when doctors made house calls?  Years ago, when we lived in Bayonne and my very young children were sick, I called Dr. Orleanski, our family physician, spoke directly with him on the phone and described their symptoms.  After office hours, he drove to our apartment, which was at the other end of town (a distance of about three miles), examined the patients, made his diagnosis, wrote a prescription and then chatted over a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. Although it happened only a couple of times, I appreciated the care and comfort his visit gave to this fretful mother.  I’m sure he provided the same service to other patients as well, and don’t know how he managed it.

Prior to Covid 19 we went to the doctor’s office and sat among other sick people, exposed to germs abounding in the air and on every surface.  We didn’t seem to notice or to be terribly concerned.  That has certainly changed.

The other day I had a visit scheduled with my primary care physician; her nurse called a few days prior to the appointment and told me that for my safety and convenience it would be conducted online.    I had gone for my blood tests last week, and the results were posted within hours in My Chart.  The doctor was able to review them before speaking to me, and then we spent about fifteen minutes in a face-to-face Zoom chat discussing my health and well-being.  I stated my concerns; she answered my questions. What efficiency!  I even took care of my copayment and scheduled my next visit online.

Another experience, thanks to AAA Travel, was a virtual cruise to Bermuda aboard the Celebrity Summit—one of the line’s premier ships.  We toured the renovated facilities—the spas, salons, and staterooms; the multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; and all the luxurious amenities. Then we visited the sites and attractions of the islands:  the quaint historic village of St. George; the arts and crafts of the Clock Tower Mall at the Royal Naval Dockyard; the boutiques, shops and cafes on Front Street in Hamilton; and oh! those beautiful pink sand beaches and romantic coves.  I could almost feel the sensual breezes and taste the rum swizzles–all without sunscreen or the consumption of calories.

My third experience was with the Brighton Senior Lunch Bunch.  In recognition of Memorial Day, we shared stories and pictures of our favorite heroes—a wonderful opportunity to get to know more about people with whom we had previously had just a passing acquaintance.

I am grateful for the technology that makes all of this possible and for my ability to navigate the system.  Hope you are all enjoying life as best you can actually and/or virtually.  LovEstelle