As this coronapocalypse raged through the world, I had many thoughts running through my brain. I knew the virus was a real threat, but it never crossed my mind that most of the United States would be shut down; at least, the most populous states would be. I questioned just how far our state and city government would take this “on pause” thing.
As the weeks went on, I came to the conclusion there was little the I could do to change the reality I was living in. As much as I wanted to go out to get a nice meal at a restaurant, see friends, hang out at a bar, enjoy some music or simply go to work, I couldn’t. I was forbidden by our governor. The issue I had, and still have is, how long will this last?
As of this writing, I understand that the “New York On Pause” will be extended to April 29th. That means we will continue the life we started on March 16th. I’m actually ok with it. Why? I’m powerless to change my circumstances. Maybe this is the best method our political leaders feel is needed to stop the spread of the virus. We’ll see.
All I know is that instead of being angry, upset, frustrated and annoyed, I’m grateful. I have a lot of positives in my life at the moment. I have a community of friends I can call at any time, I have a wonderful girlfriend who I can spend the weekends with, I have my sisters and father I can call on and I have my kids who I see half of the week. I also have a job that I can go back to – I think. I hope all Broadway shows will open back up in a few months.
Until things change, I’ll take things day by day. I’m
going to enjoy the time I spend with my kids, my girlfriend and my alone time. As long as I can keep a positive attitude and look forward to a time when things get batter for everyone around me, I’ll be ok. I’ve accepted where I am.
Clayton Craddock is an independent thinker, father of two beautiful children in New York City. He is the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration froHoward University’s School of Business and is a 25 year veteran of the fast paced New York City music scene. He has played drums in a number of hit Broadway musicals including “Tick, tick…BOOM!,Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical and Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill. In addition, Clayton has worked on: Footloose, Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Cats, and Avenue Q.
Clayton is the chair of the New York chapter of the National Parents Organization and is focused on promoting shared parenting, where both parents have equal standing raising children after a separation or divorce. He is writing a memoir and writes for various local and national publications.
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