BY SEAN HEALY
“Where’s the plague?” Little could he know, this rude old man was foretelling the globe’s fate. In just 3 years we’d meet that damned Viral Menace!
Moolah Lanes
Circa 2017, I was joined by 3 other brave souls, daring to live after a life of struggle and gasped breath after grasped breath.
The 4 of us were wearing masks as we were mere weeks post our second chances at life. We were elated just to share eachothers stories and company, let alone enjoying a nice day bowling. The loved ones who had helped usher us into our new journeys’ were there either in body or in spirit. Our transplant doctors insisted we wear our masks. This older man had no idea, and seeing 4 young adults wearing masks surely was confusing.
Taco Bell
Self and J – circa 2017
Roughly 2 months post transplant, J and I decided to eat fast “food”. Taco Bell had my poison, Baja Blast. I know it doesn’t sound very extreme in comparison to the substances consumed by the late, great Hunter S Thompson, however caffeine deserves some respect as a substance, but I digress.
The two of us were wearing masks, as was the procedure post transplant. I could often percieve the confusion on the faces around me. This was no different, however we both managed to get our orders placed without comment.
I found a seat, promptly sat down and started organizing our food. I could hear J conversing with one of the workers, but wasn’t 100% clear on what all was said, though I had assumed our masks were involved.
J informed me the worker asked if we would be taking off our masks. J calmy replied to the young man, “yeah, when we sit down to eat.”.
J communicated to me the short interaction, before I could really react, the worker came over and tried to explain. Allegedly they’d experienced armed robbers in medical masks. I respected this young man’s initiative. He didn’t need to explain further, his confusion of our mask wearing, as we understood it, was an oddity. All the same, it was nice to have that honest communication. As unbelievable as his story may sound, this took place in St. Louis, Missouri. I didn’t look at any police reports, however it seems plausible.
Barnes Jewish Hospital
Self, J, Jim, Layne – circa 2017
I recall the three of us walking up to the security counter, of the very hospital we all received our operation, and our additional guidance in wearing masks post transplant.
Both security guards seemed confused by our trio of mask wearers, and one asked, “Are you all networking?”.
I don’t believe anyone really knew how to respond, however I believe Layne explained briefly that we were all transplant patients, visiting another transplant patient.
With 2020 hindsight, when she asked if we were networking, I suppose she was correct.
The souls I met during this time I feel I’m forever connected. If that isn’t networking, I’m not sure what is.
Gamestop
Self- circa 2017
A slightly different occurrence, but humorous when given 20/20 vision. Pun intended.
I don’t recall exactly what part of the Lou, but I’m going to assume I was still in St. Louis within my 3-4 month recovery period.
A gentleman in the Gamestop understandably confused by my mask wearing jokingly asked, “what do you think would happen if I walked around in one of those?” For comparison, I am what most consider a white man, and he was and I assume still is, what most consider a black man.
I laughed because I can recognize his concerns. “I don’t know, man…” I responded a little derailed by his honesty.
An argument could be made that this Viral Menace was lurking all along…
Walmart
Self -circa 2018
I’m guessing this was 2018 flu season. With ANY viral or bacterial based infection I use a mask to help protect myself, as has been my conditioning thanks to Cystic Fibrosis and my life saving organ transplant, but again I must digress.
I’m strolling Walmart, with a black mask, adorned with a white plastic outer filter. This specific mask holds an internal pocket for a disposable filter. The mask itself is washable, however the importance here is the visual. I can sympathize for these young girls, as an already odd looking gentleman, myself, is wearing this odd villainous mask, creeping down the clearance isle late at night.
I remember them snickering, commenting as if I was going to kidnap them. Yet they were actively giggling about it, and all I’m thinking is, if I were some legit villain… shouldn’t you be running… muhahaha.
These are the fantasies I must occupy, for my ignorance of their side of the story. This holds true to most human interactions when honest communication is severed…
Self
Circa 2021 I’d intentended to regale on and on about interactions I’ve had with masks, both pre and post covid-19, our percieved Viral Menace. My point… my spin if you will, on the Viral Menace;
It has little to do with a water-based viral infectious organizm. The true Viral Menace has always been the spread of idiocy.
The optimist in me believes we can abolish idiocy. The human, and the writer in me feel it’s a necessity, to keep the rest of us just above water.
The artist in me sees this image; Viral Menace, as a representation of the idiocy we allow to spew from our mouths.
I’ve experienced literal blood, coughed up from my diseased lungs. I won’t even claim to be an expert, I’m just experienced. I will act accordingly, I cannot change those who refuse. I can only speak against their idiocy.
THE Viral Menace… only ONE person in any given individual’s life can cure.
