I feel very guilty but I have to make this move.

[Paper Roses]

I am 77 years old. To keep myself active, I volunteer at a local thrift shop. This shop is small and services the local community. Proceeds go to the local church food bank.

Many of the customers are homeless, disadvantaged or generally need care and goods that they cannot afford to buy at retail. A great many do not speak English and we try and understand their needs. Sometimes it is funny with our hand motions and other ways to understand. It is part of the job. I'm sure many do not have health insurance and do not visit a doctor or other health care facility. Some are mentally challenged. We do our best to help.

All of the volunteers are over 60 years of age. There are only a few of us and we try out best to sort and display clothing and household goods for these customers.

I have just had a medical procedure...nothing too critical but I also have other health issues. Not serious but the issues make me vulnerable to "whatever" might come our way.

Today, on the advice of my doctor and my daughter who is also a doctor(lives far from me), I notified the manager of the shop that I will not be coming for my days this week and not again until the virus situation has passed.

I know that my time at this work will be a burden on the others who also volunteer but at my age, it is my only choice.

My conscience is bothering me but I can't take the risk. At my age, time is precious and risks should be avoided.
I guess I'll be doing a lot of reading.
My hope is that this situation passes quickly. No thanks to Washington. We are on our own. It is too late to find a vaccine. I will be, like others, housebound and feeling badly for those who are vulnerable. I guess that is all of us.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. You are right to take care of yourself. *hugs*

[calimary]

2. Awwwww, here's a hug!

According to the numbers we have, it is survivable. You take care of yourself. Don’t feel guilty! You’re still doing right by them, only just in a different way!

You can’t help anyone if you’re sick.

[redwitch]

3. Self care is important!

Don’t feel guilty, you are doing the right thing! Stay well!

[we can do it]

4. You're doing the right thing for others as well as yourself.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

5. Don't feel guilty. In a crisis, you have to make sure your oxygen mask is affixed before you can

help others. We're in a crisis. Good health to you.

[fierywoman]

15. Exactly! This way you can help those people once we're at the other end of this. Good choice!!!

[peacebuzzard]

48. Well said, Whiskey. Your statement should be a public advisory for everyone now.n/t.

[TygrBright]

6. You are doing the responsible thing.

The future needs you healthy and rested.

The present needs all the resources we can get to deal with the illness of those who can't or won't do what you are doing.

Thank you.

appreciatively,
Bright

[FreepFryer]

7. Good decision. Be well, be safe. Hunker down. (Nt)

[drray23]

8. You did the right thing.

It would not do anybody any good for you to catch it.
I suspect food banks are going to put in place measures so that they can keep operating while reducing the risk of contamination.

I used to be on the board of the local food bank here and we sure would have discussed it and have a plan for that. It's highly likely most food banks will as well.

[safeinOhio]

9. Please don't feel bad.

Any way you can help From home? Like wash or repair cloths, sort item etc?

[appalachiablue]

10. Don't be guilty, it's best & everyone wants you here for a long time!

Love your handle 'Paper Roses'. Big hugs!!

[femmedem]

11. You're making the right decision.

It's hard. This virus will force us all to make hard decisions. I know you will miss the people you help and your co-workers.
But look at it this way: not only are you possibly saving your life, you are likely making a hospital bed available for someone else who will need it.

[Marrah_Goodman]

12. My mother volunteers at a thrift store and a food pantry

It's one day a week, but she is 85 so I worry about her and the rest of the elderly people she works with. She won't stop going because she knows these are services for people in need. Fortunately she is in very good health and already washes her hands often. Still though, I worry about her.

[blm]

13. I'm in a similar situation.

I have respiratory issues and am close to bowing out for a few weeks.

[CousinIT]

14. You are doing the right thing.

I think the work you do is wonderful but you also have to take care of yourself. You can't help take care of others if you don't take care of yourself, first, right?

Stay safe. I hope to see you on DU for a good long time yet!

[Sherman A1]

16. I volunteer at one of our local Historic houses once a week

my self appointed job is to sweep and take care of the trash along with going to the attic when needed for this file or that thing. I also fill in for events when they need an extra pair of hands. The good part is that I am in and out each week before things get going on Tuesdays when we are open. The bad part are the occasional events that I help with and the upcoming benefit dinner. Just don't really know what way to go on my continued participation at this point.

[Phoenix61]

17. Self care is difficult when you're used to

helping others but getting sick helps no one. If you are able to hunker down at home, go for it. Think of it as a karmic vacation. You’ve done your part for the time. Now it’s someone else’s turn. Then it will be your’s again.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

18. If you don't take care of yourself you won't be able to care for anyone. You did the right thing. nt

[Red Mountain]

19. I got a little teary

and then realized.......you need to live to fight another day.

You are not abandoning your folks.

You're making sure you'll be there when this has passed.

We'll see how this goes.

[Grasswire2]

20. Hooray for PR!

Glad to have you back here, PR.

[Hassler]

21. Don't feel bad for doing the right thing. In fact, now would

Be a good time to advise everyone who lives in a state with absentee/ vote by mail option to get it set up now for November 3.

[TexasBushwhacker]

22. You can't help anyone if you're dead n/t

[Vinca]

23. Don't feel guilty for one nanosecond. You do what you have to do to get through it.

After it's passed you'll still be around to go back to your volunteer work and that's what matters.

[malaise]

24. You made the right decision

Your first responsibility must be to yourself

I was supposed to be at a book launch but I decided I did not want to be in a room with several people close to me. harsh decisions have to be made during this crisis

[monmouth4]

25. You absolutely did the right thing, your customers will be there when you return and you never have

to worry that you infected anyone and they did not infect you. Take this time for yourself, you're a good person.

[yaesu]

26. Its survival ans I think you are making the right decision. It is not your fault that this happened

Other countries like Taiwan have been preparing for this since Dec & are pretty much covid free. We had no leadership, still don't, the fascists are more worried about saving the stock market than our lives.

[ibegurpard]

27. Good grief!

Why on earth would you feel guilty? You've already done enough to stop altogether with a clear conscience. Take whatever preventative measures you can and think you should and that's all you can do. Don't worry about what you can't control. And certainly don't worry about a respite from a volunteer position you've given more than enough to.

[jberryhill]

28. You aren't going to help anyone if you get sick

[iluvtennis]

29. You gotta take care of yourself right now. You can volunteer again after coronavirus is under

control. Hugs to you.

[Demonaut]

30. it's justifiable with our inept and evil administration, you are on your own

with the help of friends and family, stay well!

[Soph0571]

31. Self isolating is your best possible choice

We are doing it here in the UK, where the UK has been much more responsible than Trump, about containing and delaying, as my partner has life limiting and chronic illness. You need to survive, and when this is over you can go back to your very marvellous volunteering.

On the bright side as you self isolate, you have the DU community to keep you company!

[Patterson]

32. You know how in an airplane emergency you're supposed to breath the oxygen before helping others?

[lostnfound]

33. Love yourself on our behalf... DU wants to keep you around! Older generation is valuable.

Your conscience needs a break. Maybe so do you.
Grow some flowers or some tomatoes. Write your memoirs. Share your insights online or in a journal.
Maybe make some phone calls to try to recruit a few younger people to help at the thrift store.
Or just read some good fiction and don’t feel guilty.

[Mr.Bill]

34. I volunteer at a hospital, and I'm thinking the same way.

I don't have any medical issues, but my wife, who is about to turn 70 does. I can't afford to bring an illness home to her. She also volunteers, but her work is not done in the hospital. I work the desk in the surgery waiting room. What I'm thinking of doing is not resigning but taking an indefinite leave of absence. I love the people I work with and I have been doing it for about six years, and was even awarded Volunteer of the Year last year by the administrative staff.

It's not an easy decision, and I hope if I do leave I will return soon.

[Ilsa]

35. You've earned a rest from even your good labors

and labors of love. You are older, and you are at risk. Maybe in a year you can go back. Ormaybe you can find another activity to help without exposing yourself. I love volunteers. I used to be a very active volunteer, but for the last few years I take care of family more than volunteering.

[oldsoftie]

36. s part of the highest risk group, you must look out for YOU first.

Hopefully you'll be back at it soon

[projectiboga]

37. You're protecting others too

You are protecting others too, since you could spread it. Don't give it a second thought. Biggest risk factors are age, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, and problems breathing, even asthma.

Take care.

[dalton99a]

44. +1

[McKim]

38. Take Care of You First

Take care of you first. Your family needs you. Someone will volunteer in your place. I am 74 with asthma and after two long strong viruses this year and Asthma gotten worse, I am isolating.
There is no other option for our age group. We must be realistic. We have been lied to by leaders about the epidemic. It is serious. Take it seriously.

[NBachers]

39. You are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. You are following the rules.

I know time may get heavy while you're away, but every "What You Should Do" guide says for you to do this.

[FailureToCommunicate]

40. And here I thought you were going to say you had to move...to Biden, or....

But seriously, it sounds like you're doing the right thing, for you.

People maybe don't realize how much, how vast the volunteer labor force is. It is so vitally important, and I'm sure the others you work along side will understand.

Maybe make them some cookies or something to remind them you're still on the team, just not there for a while.

Good luck to you.

Good luck to all of us.

[AZ8theist]

41. You have to protect yourself..

The LYING SCUMBAG RUSSIAN TRAITOR IMBECILE in the WH ain't gonna do it....

He's got golf to attend to, don't ya know?

[Karadeniz]

42. You actually have no choice. What if you stayed on, got sick and was left dead or lung disabled?

Then you're permanently out of the picture! I know it's hard to not be helpful...just think of it as postponing your service! You made the right choice!!!❤

[Dem2theMax]

43. Please find it in your heart to forgive yourself for being human.

The volunteer work that you do is a precious gift that you give to your community. But if you get sick, and heaven forbid the worst thing happened, you would never be able to go back and volunteer.

This way, you take some time for yourself to make sure you stay healthy, and then you will be able to go back and continue the work that you love.

Please take care and stay healthy. Maybe you can catch up on some things around the house that you wanted to do. Or read some good books. And of course, spend time on DU.

[moniss]

45. You are

a wonderful blessing to your community and deserve some time now to look out for yourself.

[Liberal In Texas]

46. Hey man, I'm 70 and I would do exactly what you are.

It can't be helped. Better to have you available to come back to work after this has passed than not at all.

Don't feel guilty.

[Lulu KC]

47. You did the right thing

You'd feel guiltier if you got sick and saw how many people were sad about it!

[live love laugh]

49. I'm grappling with when to stop working. I give myself a week.

Hopefully that’s not too late to isolate.

[applegrove]

50. Take care of you. Everyone has there part to do and yours is to not pass it on

to vulerable populations by not getting it. The more people who stay home the better.

[DarthDem]

51. You're a Kind, Sweet, Caring Person

And your decision is just another part of that. I'm sure the shop will be delighted to have you back very soon.

[CountAllVotes]

52. You've made the right decision Paper Roses

You were responsible and thought of others before yourself. That is a fine quality too see in advance that will only help to save others!

Being one that is locked down and wondering how long the supplies will last, I appreciate people that are doing all they can to help.

In your case, staying away from others that way.

Take good care!

[orleans]

53. how wonderful that you have been able to volunteer and work there

but i think it's a good decision to take some time off.
it's nice you have this concern for the customers and other workers but you're important too.
take care.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

54. It's time for the youth in your community to step up to the plate.

Put help-wanted notices up on billboards and social media, explaining the dire need. I hope you are surprised and pleased.

Public shops like thrift stores may need to install some exposure limiting barriers temporarily to prevent disease spread. We don't want our youth bringing this thing home with them, either.

Like everyone in our age range (I'm 72), we have to set priorities to survive. You're doing the right thing.

However, we owe it to our youth to explain why we're taking these isolating actions, as I will be doing to my son and daughter.

Best wishes going forward!

KY...............

[duforsure]

55. You did the right thing for you,

And I have to start doing that too as it gets worse. I am like you in the group that could be effected the most with my age and have several major health issues making it if I get it its probably over for me. I live in a smaller town but it'll get here if it hasn't already. Stay safe , and everyone needs to take this very serious now. Heard someone claim this virus was a hoax to get trump in trouble with voters by the Democrats, Some people are believing liar trump still.

[Sunlei]

56. Be well, stay well! Good advice from your Doctor & Doctor daughter.

[Peacetrain]

57. I have had to make the very same decision..backing away from church

and the food pantry where I volunteer.. and my book club etc.. because I have a 91 year old mother. We have to make the decisions to keep ourselves safe and those around us safe.. you are not alone in facing these same decisions..and you are making the right one, not only for yourself but others around you.

[Brainfodder]

58. I agree, you got nothing to apologize for, would be surprised if you are the only 1: CONSEQUENCES!

Expecting lots of this.

Good luck!

[question everything]

59. A suggestion: take your story to the local media: newspapers and TV and radio stations

to encourage younger people to take your place. Perhaps even stay after the pandemic is over

[trof]

60. Same here.

I work at our Friends of the Library used book store 1 morning a week.
Not any more.
78 with mild COPD and hypertension.

[matt819]

61. I'm not there yet

As I've mentioned here before, I volunteer at a homeless shelter.

I'm in my mid-60s (though whenever I say that I can't quite believe it), but I'm going on my usual shift. On the plus side, our area seems to be okay (for now). No reported cases nearby. I don't know what my fellow volunteers will be doing, but while I've thought about this, as has Paper Roses, I'm going to go ahead.

If I were in Washington State, I might reconsider. If I was in a community closer to where the cases are in my state, I might reconsider. But right now, no. We'll see how things play out. Here's the problem. You can ban public gatherings, you can enforce social distance recommendations. But the homeless can't just stay home, and we don't have the space to enforce distance. And many of the homeless are chronically, or at least regularly sick, and during the day they spend time in enclosed public spaces - libraries, fast food places, etc. What do we say to these folks? Sorry, can't help? Here's a tent, go back to the woods (where temps are in the 20s at night)?

It's a big, and growing, problem.

[totodeinhere]

64. God bless you for your work with the homeless.

But if I were you I would keep abreast of the situation in your community and if it becomes necessary you might need to rethink your strategy. If you get sick or worse that will do nobody any good. You may need to protect yourself so you will be in a position to help in the future after this pandemic passes.

[matt819]

65. I know

After this thread I’ve been thinking more about it. It’ll be interesting to see what happens tonight in terms of precautions, planning, etc.

I suppose it’s possible that the city or state will weigh in.

[Mickju]

62. You should do what you need to do.

I’m 76 so I understand your decision.

[totodeinhere]

63. Don't let your conscience bother you. You are doing what is necessary to survive.

You won't be doing the thrift shop any good if you die or get severely ill. You are saving yourself so you will be in a position to help in the future.

[matt819]

66. Well, it's almost a week later. . .

No apparent illness from my time at the shelter last week. This area is quiet in terms of known cases of the virus, so that's a plus. But the number of cases keeps growing, and the advice directed at people over 60 is stay away from crowds.

Well, my wife and one of my adult kids have asked that I stop going. I'm not crazy about this, but, as you observe, if I get sick, I won't be volunteering in the future, to say nothing of the affect on my family. I feel awful, but I'm ending my volunteering season early.

[totodeinhere]

67. You and so many others like you are facing difficult choices like this.

This will pass and then you should be able to return to your volunteer work.