Nightmares End

The Nightmares End

2021 Brings New Beginnings

 

The start to the end of the long COVID-19 nightmare is here. With the widespread distribution of safe and effective vaccines, we all hope to see a return to some degrees of normalcy in the coming year.

 

My wife and I have been in lockdown mode far too long. We have not been able to see and hug our children or grandkids since early 2020. We have only seen a very few, similarly isolated friends in that time as well. I used to engage in friendly conversations with people I bumped into when I shopped. That too stopped as social distancing became the new temporary norm. Shopping for food is now masked and distanced and finished as soon as I can. I used to attend meetings of like-minded folks where energy and ideas flowed freely and replenished the spirit. I hope to shed the fear being in close contact with strangers, not knowing if they were infected or not.

 

In years past, the year-end holidays were usually celebrated at the home of one of our children and their families. Sometimes our other kids would make the trek as well for a semi-family reunion. This year it will happen over Zoom. Virtual hugs and laughter over an audio-visual connection are just not the same. This time next year, we hope to do it in person once again. 

 

My work has continued, but has been severely limited because I could not visit face to face with the people I work with due to COVID restrictions. As more staff and those living in long term care get their shots, the new year will see facilities begin to reopen to family and other non-essential outside visitors. I know it has been very hard on those who could not see their ageing relatives and hug them due to the virus. I look forward to seeing my wards and being able to gauge their condition for myself. 

 

The only bright spot in the COVID winter is the realization that what we used to take for granted, seeing those we love and care for in person, can be taken away by forces beyond our control. Once we get that privilege back, we will need to make the most of it. Our human connections keep us going and give us purpose. 

 

Our body politic will heal as well. Maybe not as quickly as we will from the virus’ grip but heal it will. We will see a return to more bipartisan efforts, a return to civil discourse as we work out our differences, a government that takes care of all its people instead of the privileged few and more even-handed justice for those too long oppressed. Hopefully, we will have learned how easily we can be lead down the path of hatred and division and will not fall for the con in the future. 

 

2021 will be a year of healing and rejuvenation, but only if we work together to make them happen. We have the opportunity to safely see family and loved ones again around a table of good, safe food. We have the opportunity to safely work together to solve common problems and make our shared home, Mother Earth, a much better place for generations to come. We have the opportunity to safely make our nation a place where all are welcome and have an equal shot at the American Dream. We have the opportunity to safely move about our communities without fear of becoming infected with a virus that can kill us. 

 

All these are possible, now that we awaken from the nightmares and work to regain our lives. 

 

As we enter 2021, it does well to remember that we are all in this together.