We travelled over the recent Christmas break! I add an exclamation mark to that statement because it was a major achievement for us. Not only was it the first Christmas spent with family since before the start of this miserable Covid-19 pandemic three years ago, it was only possible because (1.) after catching the virus on December 4, my hubby and I only tested negative again on December 20, the day before we were meant to depart; and (2.) our region had been hit with a major winter storm two days before we left, and another was forecasted for two days after we left. Somehow we managed to make the two-day drive on the only two good days that week.
We anticipated bad roads and a stressful drive, so had made an overnight motel reservation for the half-way point. As we climbed back into the truck on our second morning, the thermometer read -31°C. — frigid, yes, but with a glorious blue sky.
Being with our family was such a blessing and I’m so glad we were able to go, but now that we’re back at home again, a smidgeon of awe exists that we actually went. The pandemic played right into my introverted nature and over these three years I’ve mostly been content to isolate at home. I backed away from activities that involved being with people and now that the world is beginning to re-emerge, I’m still reluctant to return to them.
But…surprise! We re-emerged from our self-imposed cocoons and survived. On our trip we ate in public restaurants, slept in a strange motel room, went to a church other than our own. While I still ordered groceries online when we returned home (our fridge was decidedly bare), today I ventured out to shop at a local store. Granted, I wore my trusty mask, and used hand sanitizer the instant I returned to the truck, but… baby steps. 🙂
How has the pandemic affected you? Is your life getting back to normal, or is ‘normal’ an impossible reality for you?
MUSINGS 
Because I had cancer surgery and radiation during the quarantine it played right into my need for isolation and staying in. Watched our church on line. Wear a mask anywhere in public. Wash hands. I still am not comfortable in big crowds. My husband got Covid which really scared me, oh I prayed a bubble around me. Never got it. Wore a mask for 7 days, all day long. I prayed, “no weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
I’m sorry I missed your comment in January, Sharon. My husband and I both contracted Covid in early December, despite having had both shots and a booster and taking all the precautions. It was a reminder that sometimes such misfortunes are beyond our control; our faith in God’s protection is all we have.
I’m so pleased you got to travel to see family this Christmas. Like you. I’m no longer comfortable around a lot of people which is strange as I used to love crowds. So I guess the pandemic has affected me. But life has returned to normal here and it is as if we never had a pandemic. Only need masks on public transport and at clinics and hospitals. I for one will always wear a mask on a plane even if not required. Have a Happy New Year!
The world has changed. And yet, I remember my mother telling me stories about her life during the war. And I have a friend who was raised in Estonia under Soviet rule. Their lives were under constant scrutiny. We survived two years of lockdown. It still feels like a dream. Thanks for sharing, Carol.