Our call last night inspired me to send the message to our neighbors. So far the response has been fairly positive.

Here's the message, and couple responses that have followed:

Subject: Hello Neighbor!

I hope that you are well here in our Mitty neighborhood. I am writing to sort of check-in that Seema, I, and our two high school children are free of any symptoms so far. And to offer that if you need any assistance during our sheltering phase or beyond, please write to this group so that we may rise to the occasion and help you out as much as possible.

The physical separation is critical to help us keep coronavirus out of our bodies, but the bonds of our social fabric need to become and remain strong so that we may become a more resilient community for this and any future challenges that come our way.

Be well!

Pankaj

It's been great to see the resonance and collective spirit in response. One neighbor wrote:

Tammy and I also thank you Pankaj for your thoughtfulness and kind offer. We also offer our support to our neighbors. It’s times like this that can bring out both the bad and the good in people, so we all must strive to hold up the ideals our nation was founded on and the principles of many of the world’s religions that call on us to help our neighbors when they are in need.

Our best wishes to all of you. Stay well and safe.

Steve and Tammy

And another, simply:

Thank you for your beautiful letter. We will reach out if we need anything. --T