Donna’s Chronicles,”First of all, we want to thank wholeheartedly the many who sent us messages after our last column, letting us know that they too were experiencing many of the feelings described therein.”

By Donna Sachet–

First of all, we want to thank wholeheartedly the many who sent us messages after our last column, letting us know that they too were experiencing many of the feelings described therein. Writing a column is so different from performing in front of an audience; one receives little immediate feedback, often wondering if one’s writing was understood, appreciated, or even read. In the midst of our self-imposed isolation, it was heartwarming to hear from so many friends and other readers with encouragement, empathy, and emotional connection. Indeed, we have never received so many responses, by phone, email, social media, and otherwise. Thank you for taking the time to do so.

This time, we turn to a lighter subject, but one we think many of you will understand. As our loyal readers know, we adopted Peanut, an adorable brindle-colored puppy, now nearly 2 years old and 20 pounds, from the SF SPCA. We unreservedly recommend the SPCA for anyone seeking the companionship of a cat or dog. They know how to make the adoption process smooth, yet responsible, and ongoing veterinary services are easy to schedule, caring, and thorough. The comfort of a loving pet during this shelter-in-place directive cannot be overstated.

Without regular social contact with friends and others, however, our conversations are becoming noticeably limited. “Wanna take a walk?” and, “Ready for supper-time?” are probably the most frequently asked questions and, “Such a good girl!” and, “Just the sweetest!” have become standard compliments. All good and well for a four-legged companion, but recently, we fear those simplistic linguistic patterns are spilling over into less appropriate settings.

At the grocery store, after receiving directions on the location of dairy products, we found ourselves saying, “Very good, very good!” What? Fortunately, the store was busy and the employee barely registered my statement. On one of our last rides on MUNI, we left a friendly driver with the statement, “That sun feels good, doesn’t it?” Maybe that doesn’t sound so bad, but imagine it being said in a sing-song high voice with a lilting conclusion!

And when witnessing a pedestrian carelessly crossing the street without the right light, our comment, more to ourselves, but within hearing distance, was, “We are law-abiding, aren’t we? Yes, we are!” Granted, our words were more intended for Peanut than the lawless pedestrian, but we are glad the light changed quickly.

There is anecdotal evidence that stay-at-home mothers and more rarely fathers sometimes find re-entering adult conversations after indulging in nearly constant baby-talk an unexpected challenge. While we haven’t experienced exactly that challenge, we have become aware that talking to one’s pet at home is quite different from having an adult conversation in public. We pride ourselves on an extensive vocabulary, broad education, and adept skill at meaningful conversation, but without regular practice, how long does it take for all that to break down? Once this shelter-at-home situation relaxes, will baby-like repetition, sing-song diction, and simplistic expressions leak into our adult interchanges?

So, during one of these video conferences or other face-to-face electronic exchanges, please forgive our occasional lapse into pet-talk. We know that loving conversations with our pets have little in common with adult communication. Isn’t that right? Yes, it is. Oops! Sorry!

We hope you continue to find meaningful ways to fill your time at home, if homebound. We thank those who are unable to work at home and are providing essential services, whether medical, delivery, maintenance, transportation, or otherwise. And no matter how scary it may get, please remember to stay safe, stay home, and stay calm! This too shall pass.

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com

Published on April 9, 2020