It’s all about six feet of separation, staying clear of friends and sometimes family as we try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The days are starting to run together with time passing in this new life we lead. I find myself caught in an eddy of thoughts, trying to grip reality in developing new ways to “keep the chops up” by remaining diligent in following a routine.
This includes trying to limit my TV news time (most of which is like being hit with a tetherball), reading more, exercising, teaching my broadcasting class online, working on farm projects, and watching previous Bandits games. My wife continues to work at the bakery, assembling takeout orders. My youngest remains selling new roofs in South Carolina. My middle child is laid off, and the oldest is idle in
Los Angeles, awaiting the restart of her production design directorship in the movie business.
We are all chronicling stories as our families cope with this health crisis. It was great last week to hear from many of the Bandit players, who, like us, are doing the same in facing the reality of getting through this.
Social media has offered a different view of everybody’s life, all equal in this case, staying together and enjoying their moments. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and others have provided some incredibly funny and creative moments to simply break up the day and share each other’s creativity.
The NLL has taken advantage of this sequence in time to produce some very nice features, and too, member clubs like the Bandits have reciprocated with player messages and updates.
The Bandits toilet paper toss from player-to-player was great.
Pass the toilet paper!
We miss you, Banditland. pic.twitter.com/qmz1D84qM4
— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) March 29, 2020
And going on a jog with Steve Priolo and watching Ian MacKay challenging all to PlayStation games was neat.
Too, I didn’t know former Bandit and now Halifax head coach Mike Accursi could dance!
Thanks @DevanKaneyTV for reaching out to the fans of @NLL. The people have spoken. @IAccursi and @abby44accursi present. Dancing Queen. @NLLcommish @JessicaBerman1 @HFXThunderbirds @halifaxnoise @JustinTrudeau #StayAtHome 🇨🇦🇺🇸#next. pic.twitter.com/MFD0z8X6XU
— Mike Accursi (@MikeAccursi) March 25, 2020
In addition, the NLL has provided a large inventory of previous games on its YouTube channel, as well as a schedule of classic rewinds of games.
The Sabres, continuing to celebrate their Golden Season, are showing a schedule of great games of the past on MSG. The replay of the 1994 quadruple-overtime Stanley Cup playoff game against New Jersey brought back great memories. Sitting up in that small turret, hanging off the dress circle of the Oranges in The Aud, calling the game with Jim Lorentz. A cherished moment.
Over two dozen sporting events and leagues have been paused, canceled or rescheduled. This includes virtually everything that includes a ball, bat, glove, puck, stick, club, cleats, pads, nets, bridle, steering wheel, track, field, pool, cage, and more. You name it, there are no marquees lit anywhere.
While they say we have yet to reach the apex of this terrible virus, I am thinking ahead as to what life will be like once it’s OK to come back out and be together. Banditland will be a great place to go, reconnect and drop the six feet of separation.