My great-grandmother helped raise me while my single, immigrant mother would take the bus from one part-time job to the next.

And as the years passed and age welcomed my great-grandmother into the fold, she slowly grew weaker as I grew older. Without realizing it at the time, there was a shift in our dynamic. The one who always cared for me needed caring for.

I shared a bed with her so she could wake me in the middle of the night to help her up. We’d slowly rise together with the gentle creak of the bed. She would lean on me, allowing me to be her crutch as I guided her through the hallway to the bathroom – if she made it that far. And if she didn’t, I’d help strip layers and pat dry the mattress.

I’ve been thinking a lot about all the burdens she needed others to help her carry as she grew older. How childlike in her needs she became towards the end of her life. How willing my family and I were to care for her as she had cared for each of us.

This is only day three of our mandated shelter in place to slow the spread of covid. But in this time of social isolation I have been challenged to find ways to love others while being wise against the spread of the virus.

It would be easy to stay at home and say I’m doing what’s needed to prevent the spread. And social distancing is definitely helpful in aiding the vulnerable. There’s a great article demonstrating how effective social distancing is, Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve.”

But I don’t want to use “wisdom” as an excuse and say “reason” when I mean fear. I am practicing wisdom by washing my hands (until they are desert dry) and trying to keep six feet away during needed outdoor walks. But there has to be more.

I’m blessed enough to be young and healthy at a time like this and to have a car in the city. If I don’t share in the blessings then I have taken it all for granted.

My heart is with the elderly and other vulnerable people during this time. So if you know anyone in San Francisco who needs someone to pick up groceries or other errands that leave them at risk outside, this is a genuine offer. I want to help carry their burden by carrying their groceries.

I’ve begun to ask a few of the elderly I know in San Francisco if they have any needs. If you know anyone willing to accept help from me, you can message me here.

And ask for yourself, who is your heart for during this time and how can you help. It may look different than picking up groceries for others. Maybe it’s setting up free virtual workshops to lead people in a new hobby. Maybe it’s volunteering for crisis hotlines as people are left in social isolation. Maybe it’s as simple (or as hard) as video chatting old friends and seeing how they are doing in all this.

Determine what burdens are yours to carry, and carry them willingly.