Editor’s Note — Journalists live with one certainty — everybody has a story to tell — and that is especially true now. With that in mind, the staff of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter will occasionally share their stories with readers. Have one you’d like to share. The telephone number is (785) 472-5085.

Covid-19. Coronavirus. Whatever you call it, it is something I’ve come to despise. Trying to figure it out, trying to know what you should or should not do – it’s exhausting.

There have been many events cancelled that were important to someone. Families can’t gather at funerals for their love ones. High school seniors — all students and teachers — are adjusting to a new “normal” for the time being.

Many of you know I am a big fan of Martina McBride. The Kansas City show I had tickets for the beginning of April was cancelled. It will be rescheduled, life goes on but I was so disappointed.

I am one of the fortunate ones who have the ability to work at home. I’ve done this before but just a day or two at a time. Doing it on a full time, day after day basis, is just strange and has taken a bit to get used to. I’m working away and listening to the dogs snoring in the chair beside me. They get to nap, why can’t I? That doesn’t seem fair.

However, what really isn’t fair — and frustrating — is we have a brand new grandson and we can’t go see him. You probably saw Hudson’s birth announcement in the I-R. He’s adorable, beautiful and perfect. I’m probably a little biased but I’m in love and as grandma, I think I’m allowed to be biased. However, I’m stuck in Ellsworth County and he’s in southeast Kansas along with his mom (our daughter), his dad and big brother. Okay, I know Hudson is where he is supposed to be, but I want to be there as well.

We were fortunate to be able to go the day he was born. I got to meet and hold him when he was just an hour or so old. There are no words to describe my heart while holding and talking to him. Hudson was very alert and took in everything I said like he knew exactly what I was talking about and how much he is loved.

Covid-19 has put the brakes on many things right now in our lives. And that includes our planned trip back to southeast Kansas the beginning of April for 11 days. I was incredibly excited. I could not wait to go and get baby snuggles and while I was waiting, the days were moving very slowly. Then just like children grow up in a blink of an eye, along came a Stay at Home Order for Crawford County, Kan., a Safer at Home Order for Ellsworth County and then the statewide Stay at Home Order and put a stop on our plans. This was more disappointing than not seeing Martina — this one really, really hurt. I sobbed for hours. Hours!

I know not going right now is the right thing to do. I know we will be able to go later. I hope things will get back to normal for all of us soon. These are unprecedented times — scary times if you allow yourself to really think about it. My heart breaks for those who have suddenly become unemployed and not sure how they will get by. I am grateful for the healthcare workers who are on the frontline of this and working to keep everyone well and safe. I am grateful for the small business owners who are adapting to keep their business afloat. I pray we get out of this with those businesses intact.

Please support the businesses in Ellsworth County however you can. Most importantly, please, stay at home if at all possible so we can put the brakes on Covid-19 as fast as we can so we all can get back to normal. As soon as that happens, I will be in a car heading to get those much needed baby snuggles.