Safe at last
Our closest friends and family are vaccinated, as are we. As restrictions are easing, we are feeling safe, especially outdoors.
Except for our cross-country road trip, we have visited restaurants rarely. Each time, we felt precautions were sufficient.
Last Sunday we attended the final drive-in worship service at our church. From now on, the service will be offered indoors with social spacing. Fellowship time between the services is joyful, a sense of relief permeating the community. Soon, masks will be optional.
The pandemic has taught us how to worship online, as well. The pandemic forced many into the tech world.
Ready to go
Much of the world is opening up. We are ready to go. Our hooves dance in the dirt, waiting for the shot to signal go.
But. . .
We have no plans. We had canceled our travel reservations and put our dreams on hold. For over a year we have anticipated this moment. But while we revel in embraces with loved ones and mourn for many friends and family who died this year, leaving their family and friends to grieve alone, we are unsure what the next step should be.
I return to exercise and tentatively plan social events. My postponed visit to the doctor reveals the repercussions of my year of sloth.
Now, we are older. Some of us more decrepit. We will never recover this year.
So, what now?
Per Isaac Newton, an object will stay in place until a force sets it in motion. My friend Diane has tasked us to offer some travel dreams to start the motion. We will stay within the continent for now. But we need to start moving. And soon.
One of the psychological tasks of my age group is to come to terms with mortality. It is all around us. This year has provided us the time to contemplate it. We have no time to waste.
