L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 www.italoamericano.org 24 L'Italo-Americano husband and daughters just outside Turin, in Gassino Turinese. She offered me her o b s e r v a t i o n s , s i m i l a r t o those of many I've spoken with " T h e s e a r e d i f f i c u l t times for every Italian. T h e u p c o m i n g E a s t e r M o n d a y i s n o r m a l l y a day when large groups of friends meet, but not this year. Are you find- ing a way to celebrate t h e d a y b u t i n a " n e w way"? N o r m a l l y o n E a s t e r Monday we organize a picnic with friends. This year, hop- ing that the weather will be n i c e , w i t h m y f a m i l y w e thought of organizing a bar- b e c u e o n t h e t e r r a c e a n d p l a n n i n g g a m e s f o r m y daughters. Even our neigh- bors will do the same thing on their terraces so we will have the opportunity to talk and have fun even if at a dis- tance. We will also organize video chats with friends so that we can all toast together this year too. W h a t a r e t h e o t h e r things that you and your friends are doing to stay positive, to maintain a normal routine in your life, holiday or not? We are trying to maintain some regular habits so that t h e d a i l y r o u t i n e i s n o t totally upset. For example: take care of yourself, getting dressed — you don't have to stay in your pajamas all day! — do physical activity. For those who must work from home, organize time as if they were in the office. For our children, we plan time to devote to school lessons and homework. We are using a lot of video chat platforms in order to communicate. On the web we organize game afternoons for children, dis- t a n c e d a n c e a n d m u s i c l e s s o n s , c o f f e e b r e a k s o r aperitifs with friends, family dinners, birthday parties — we try to recreate moments during which we can com- municate and have fun. Many gyms offer stream- i n g l e s s o n s d a i l y , m a n y artists (singers and actors) o r g a n i z e s h o w s o n I n s t a g r a m , t h e m u s e u m s have organized tours to dis- cover the works of art pre- sent in our country. M a n y c o u n t r i e s a r e suffering the same hor- rors of this virus. What d o y o u t h i n k I t a l i a n s might be doing differ- ently than other cultures to make it more bear- able? What is your commu- n i t y d o i n g t o s u p p o r t one another? I believe that Italians in t h e s e s i t u a t i o n s h a v e a strong spirit of cohesion and a l t r u i s m . W e a r e n o t a n individualistic people but n a t u r a l l y w e t e n d t o t h e other. I believe that at this moment our way of being is even more accentuated. We have seen many things that a t t e s t t o t h i s , s u c h a s fundraising to help hospitals and the Red Cross, or asso- ciations that assist the elder- l y o r d i s a d v a n t a g e d . Companies have converted production to items in short s u p p l y s u c h a s m a s k s o r h a v e d o n a t e d m o n e y a n d materials. Many stores offer free delivery to people 65 and older. In our condominium, we have organized to help the elderly (e.g. taking care of going shopping for food in their place or cooking hot meals to offer). Individuals have offered apartments for doctors and nurses free of c h a r g e s o t h e y c a n a v o i d c o n t a c t w i t h t h e i r f a m i l y members. Many places offer residents free wi-fi if they don't have it. Even sports associations and cultural entertainment are support- ing communities by offering free lessons online. All this, I believe, means that people do not feel alone but can count on a support network. W h a t a d v i c e w o u l d you give to Americans? My advice is to not get caught up in anguish and fear; you must not be afraid t o i s o l a t e y o u r s e l f . I t i s important to try to build a daily life made of moments in which to do activities that you enjoy. Others shared with me similar stories of hope and adapting, of beseeching to "not underrate this invisible e n e m y " y e t f i n d w a y s t o cope and remain positive. As one in the tourist industry r e l a t e d , " W e a r e w i t h o u t American tourists – we miss you. Baci and return as soon as you can." And we will. "Lo Scoppio del Carro" an Easter tradition in Florence (Copyright: Dreamstime) LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE Continued from page 20 The nails of the Cross (Copyright: Dreamstime)

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