The Man I Thought I Knew: Revelations in the Time of Pandemic

These are the experiences of two men, one a university professor, Kenny age 79, the other his student Fito age 19, as they navigate their way through the minefield of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unlikely friendship evolved through a series of letters written during the extended period of lock-down as the deadly virus spread around the world. As each man grappled with ways to survive both the physical and mental challenges of the virus, it soon became apparent that their sixty year age difference meant little. Their emotions, experiences and search for survival unfolded in a series of letters. These are the letters, introspective, insightful, often raw and poignant, sometimes joyful, as each man tries to find meaning in the time of pandemic. The letters take the reader through the choking smoke of the Northern California fires when Fito was left to care for his ailing aunt while his family was in Mexico. As the smoke grew thicker and it became harder to breathe would he be forced to evacuate with his aunt in the middle of a pandemic? Where could they go? Without social distancing would they be safe, or would they succumb to the virus in an evacuation shelter? Fear of getting COVID was always present, if unspoken. At first, Fito did not believe it to be a serious issue. In spite of repeated warnings from Kenny and pleas from his family, he decided to fly out of state to referee a soccer match. He thought he would be safe. He was wrong. Within a few days of his return, he phoned. With panic in his voice he said, the dreaded words, "I have it. I have COVID." The letters gradually became more personal, more revelatory as the friendship grew. Fito felt guilty about exposing his family to COVID and his fears became true as each family member caught the virus. Would they survive? Or would he carry the lifelong burden of knowing he had brought death to his family? Suddenly, the letters from Fito stopped. Kenny was in a panic. What had happened? Had he died? Had his family died? Then a letter came. Fito had been in a head-on car crash. As their letters continued, their friendship developed on a more personal level as each man revealed his deepest thoughts, wishes, and fears in their journey for survival. Revelations from Kenny's past, and Fito's hopes for the future sometimes caused conflict. Their letters gradually took a philosophical turn as they tried to make sense of a world in the grip of a virus. Who was to blame? Someone must be held accountable for so many deaths, so much misery. They exchanged thoughts on politics, religion, and relationships as their friendship grew. COVID vaccines were released giving a ray of hope into a return to some semblance of normal life. Finally, the day came when both men were fully vaccinated and were able to meet outdoors to accomplish what Fito had been longing for - the opportunity to look each other in the eyes and to ask each other the really tough questions. The transcripts of the face to face meetings are included following the letters. The meetings solidified their relationship with each man realizing that whatever the future holds their journey is just beginning.

Dettagli