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Looking Forward

I just discovered this blog was still around (and miraculously, I remembered the password). I think I might kick the tires and take it out for a spin. 

Our world has been in lockdown for a year, suffering a pandemic that has killed nearly 550,000 in the United States and 2.7 million globally. We've worn masks, maintained physical distance of at least 6 feet from others, washed and sanitized our hands, worked and schooled from home, dealt with (of all things) a toilet paper shortage, and given up most of our favorite activities (restaurant dining, movie theaters, live performances, family gatherings, and so on). We've endured people's stupidity, ignorance, racism, xenophobia, selfishness, indifference. We've also celebrated the "essential worker," those who put their lives at risk to make ours safer: grocery store employees, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, educators ... all those whose jobs help ensure continuity of our country's infrastructure and daily functions. 

I have worked from home for years. This past year, my husband joined me, and our son learned how to do high school via Zoom videoconferencing service meetings online from his bedroom. Or, rather, he discovered distance learning was not his jam. Thankfully, he's back in the classroom. Hubs and I are halfway through our COVID vaccination regimen. By May, we should be fully vaccinated and gloriously immune. 

We marked our 21st wedding anniversary yesterday, and even though we didn't go out to celebrate, we had an amazing time. I made stuffed shells and spice cake for dinner. We drank wine. The 17-year-old boy played DJ, picking tunes that old humans and old souls love: Dancing Queen, Copacabana, Hooked on a Feeling, Angel of the Morning, Jump Around. Hubs dug up the mix tape I made for him in 1997. And he gifted me two large canvas prints of roses (that he, a professional photographer, shot) from our rose garden. 

I think the evening went so well because, in the midst of all this coronavirus despair and sacrifice, we've learned how to live in the moment. We savor the little glimpses of joy. We spotlight gratitude and acknowledge the blessings. The next few months, I anticipate frequent recognition of "first time since the pandemic" situations. First concert, first indoor dinner party, first hugs with outside-the-household loved ones. 

I cannot wait! How about you?

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