Togetherness amidst a pandemic

We saw it slowly unfold on the news in December and then in January and then and then and then. I sat back, tuned into the news often and watched as people reacted and prepared in various ways. I remember wondering what all the panic was about and seeing people frantically hit the grocery stores to stock up. Come beginning of March, I made the decision to stay home. The worry and need to stay safe while also keeping others safe had come over me. I would say I was about a week or two before the general Spring Break wave of people who all locked down and began social distancing.

Feeling distant and removed has been a natural reaction to everything that has been happening. I thank my lucky stars that I was able to go on my Chile trip in January since who knows when traveling for pleasure will resume. For the first few months at least our family of three stuck to ourselves, staying home and only going out for one walk a day to breathe the fresh air. I didn’t go visit family, I canceled previously planned friend dates, and limited any movement to walking distance only. Waking up wih feelings of unknown anxiousness, unrest or stress became semi-normal. It still happens now from time to time. Thanks to technology I have been able to feel connected to my family and friends through video chats or daily text messages. Seeing their faces has kept me sane and made me feel just a little less isolated.

Fast-forward to today, I have slowly expanded my circle to family and close friends. Although occasional walks at a social distance and back yard barbecues are wonderful, life still isn’t quite where it used to be. This is the new normal or at least it is for the unforeseeable future.

I wish I could kiss and hug everyone I love with confidence and without hesitation. The days of standing close to someone without a thousand thoughts running through your mind seem over at least for a while. But you know what? I’m okay with it. I’m okay with standing 6 feet apart, with wearing a mask, with not hugging you, with not visiting if I feel sick. I am okay with ALL of it if it means that I can keep the people I love safe. I am okay with ALL of it if it means I can watch out for my neighbors and community. This is a small part I can play in a world where many are being called upon to do so much more.

Sending love to all those on the frontlines. As businesses are slowly opening up again and life is semi going back to normal, all we can do is be smart moving forward and protect the small advancements that we all worked so hard for. Stay safe everyone!