An amazing thing has been happening now that so many people have been vaccinated. Masks are not required everywhere you go, and once again we have an opportunity to see what our fellow human beings look like. There have been stark contrasts between the two states where we spend our time. Florida has long had a more relaxed attitude, while New York has been much more stringent. Recently, we were able to attend a brunch in our northern locale with three other vaccinated couples, and it felt as though we had been given the “all clear” to finally exit our bomb shelters after a nuclear war!
This was just the beginning of a return to what used to be normal. I also attended a baby shower, had dinner with another group of friends, got a wedding invitation and, best of all, was able to visit loved ones in nursing homes and take them for outings. Now that things are opening up a little more, it is interesting to note the reaction of people around you. There seem to be three types of adjustment: “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead”; “cautiously optimistic” or “still in panic mode.” If there is a silver lining to what many have referred to as a plague, it is that most of us have learned to be more conscientious about our health. There seems to be a definite benefit derived from frequent hand washing and sanitizing. Personally, I haven’t had so much as a sniffle for the past year and a half. (At this juncture, I am knocking on wood because, like Rio, I am slightly superstitious).
I can’t say that I really allowed Covid to undermine my life. I come from a long line of people who believe in the old adage, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I was fortunate enough to continue walks on the beach and hiking in the woods with my husband and our dog, spending time with rescue horses, reading, writing, cooking great meals and enjoying great wines. A lot of normalcy remained despite the restrictions imposed upon us. Perhaps the “all clear” isn’t completely clear just yet, but things are definitely looking up. No matter what happens going forward, we can continue to be who we are, retain our beliefs, be kind and courteous to others and, to the best of our ability, pursue our interests. We can choose to be happy and find things to laugh about. Happiness and laughter can create a very beneficial kind of contagion!
