Social Distancing

After the governor asked us to stay at home, I sent this letter to the Los Angeles Times (not published):

New weekly catch-up with family and friends:
What did you do this week?
Stayed at home.
And what did you do this week?
Stayed at home.

Choosing not to sing carols

When I was in fifth or sixth grade, I opted out of participating in a school holiday program of singing carols. While most students were in rehearsal for the program, the three or four of us who opted out were sent to one classroom to read or study.

The principal, Mrs. Glover, came by to try to talk us into joining. After briefly addressing us as a group, she turned to me and said, "What about you, Rodney? I know your parents wouldn't mind."

Although I only shook my head, I was deeply offended. I had three simultaneous thoughts: This is my own decision. Why do you think you know what my parents would say? Why do you think you know anything about my parents and me regarding religion that I don't know? (As Jews in an overwhelmingly Christian society, we had talked a lot about such things.) 

Prior to this, I had no strong feelings about Mrs. Glover, but now I despised her. I never forgot the incident, and I never forgave her.