Don Canney

Today Nashua, as well as most cities in the country, is a ghost town. We are all, rightfully so, staying home with the hope that we can help bring this awful national crisis to an end sooner rather than later.

So, what do you do when you’ve played them so many times and memorized each of the pick-up cards and clues that your board games become bored games? When you’ve passed go and not collected $200 for more times than you can imagine? When you’ve sunk more battle ships than the US Navy during WW!!? When you no longer have a clue, or you’ve reached your limit on binge watching and just cannot flip that channel one more time?

Life for most Americans has taken on a whole new meaning these last few months and we are being advised to prepare for more. Although we have the tremendous advantage of technology and social media today, it reminds me of what life was like decades ago, when all we had were land- line phones and each other. We learned how to cope then during natural disasters, pandemics and whatever else was thrown our way. And we are doing that now. We find ourselves in a world where gas is reasonably priced, but where can we go? Streets are desolate and public gatherings are a no-no per the governor’s orders. We are even being limited to the number of shoppers in grocery stores. Will it ever end?

Yes, it will. But we must stay focused, stay home and practice social distancing. We all need to look toward the end game. Listen to the experts. As was stated so eloquently in a recent email I received from a former colleague, “For the first time in history we have the chance to save humankind by just lying around the house and watching TV – let’s not screw this up!”

For those of us who are healthy, we should thank the good Lord for that, while we pray for and think of those on the front lines and those who are less fortunate. Let’s provide help wherever and whenever we can. Don’t forget to check in on those who are alone or finding it hard to cope.

It’s amazing how technology comes to our rescue. We can now do anything “virtually” like tour a museum, attend religious services, visit with long lost relatives and friends, ride a roller coaster or trace our family tree.

For me, I always find comfort and solace in music. I think you can too. Think of the music of your past that brings back great memories or puts you in a different place. I sometimes find myself going outside, be it in my yard or on my porch, and listening to “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” by the Rascals. That tune just sets the tone for the day and reminds me of what I am thankful for and that much better days are ahead. If Lionel Ritchie’s, “All Night Long” doesn’t put you in a better mood and help you cope, I’m not sure what will. You will find your left foot automatically telling your right foot to move.

Despite the dire news we see daily, there are just as many good stories shared, we just need to focus on them. I limit myself to 10 minutes of daily news, enough so I can stay in touch. I also love to write (this column is a coping mechanism for me).

Signs of hope and encouragement abound in many neighborhoods. Last weekend I noticed several neighbors displaying colorful balloons in their yards with messages of inspiration written in chalk on the driveway or walkway. I spied several teddy bears having a picnic on one lawn and another sitting near a mailbox waiting to assist the mail carrier.

Keep in mind that we will all prevail and soon the regular newscasts filled with murders, muggings and mayhem (of the political variety) will be back to put things into perspective. But let’s hope the acts of kindness, caring and love will continue. Times like these bring out the best in people and that just puts a whole different spin on what’s really important.

Don Canney is a freelance writer and professional voice artist. He was born and raised in downtown Nashua with great interest in Nashua history circa 1950-1970. He now resides in Litchfield.