It’s been almost a month since anyone has asked me, “What time is the game tonight?” I miss that.
It’s been several weeks since I gave an actual score on a sportscast. I miss that.
It’s been almost three weeks since I have seen my grandson. He is not even a month old yet. I miss him.
It’s been over two weeks since I have seen Chelsea Bird and Shaye Ganam, the two people I work closest with at 630 CHED. I miss them.
I miss the very peaceful 4 a.m. drive to work. I miss conversations. I miss the nods and hellos you give to people as you pass them in the hallway. I miss hanging out and sharing laughs at the reception desk with Michele and whoever walks by.
They call it isolation because … well, you are isolated.
I miss talking about sports. Real sports.
I still get my three minutes every half hour on 630 CHED Mornings with Chelsea and Shaye to do that — but it’s different. Sports is different right now. At this time in our lives, there are much more important things happening, and yes more important than “the game.” Through my 30 years of being a sportscaster, that has never happened for me.
I’m like you right now, trying to make the best of my “new normal,” hoping this will all end as soon as possible.
I hope that we are all willing to give up what we have to right now to get back to our, “old normal”
When you think about what you are being asked to do, it shouldn’t be that difficult. It’s literally nothing. Nothing AND wash your hands.
You know the drill: stay inside, don’t go out if you don’t have to. Don’t gather in groups and do wash your hands. I know your hands are red and dry and maybe the skin has cracked a little, but they are clean. That’s what we need.
We all miss stuff, and the only way we can get it all back is to do what needs to be done. Not all heroes wear capes. Some just sit on the couch.
We all need encouragement. So do that. Family, friends or strangers, when you are in contact with any of them, encourage them. Look them in the eye, say “Hi,” say “Thank you,” and ask if you can do anything for them. It shouldn’t be that tough.
A special thanks to the first responders of this pandemic — the doctors, nurses and all health care workers. We will never, ever know what they are going through. A special shout out to all those who work in a grocery store. Putting up with a slightly scared and crazed public is tough. I am sorry that we do what we do sometimes. I hope that some day, the toilet paper thing can be explained.
In the meantime, listen to 630 CHED, watch TV, listen to music, read a book, play some board games, empty your Netflix queue and maybe try to figure out what TikTok is. Also, don’t forget to go for a walk and get some exercise and fresh air. Look after yourselves and look after your friends and family.
We are all in this together — separately.
I hope that very soon I can talk to you all about what time the game is, and give you a score or two.
Stay safe.
Morley Scott is the play-by-play voice of the Edmonton Eskimos on 630 CHED and provides updates from the sports desk during 630 CHED Mornings with Chelsea Bird and Shaye Ganam.