Last year on Valentine's Day I went to the Portland Museum of Art. There was a special exhibit of flower arrangements paired with paintings and sculptures, and live chamber music was playing. People of all ages were slowly moving from gallery to gallery, talking quietly and taking photos. The atmosphere was relaxed, and encounters were pleasant. There was not a mask in sight and social distancing was the last thing on anyone's mind.
Just three weeks later my world shut down. I am fortunate in that I have been able to stay safely at home, and I have the privilege of taking care of my granddaughter two days a week. I have plenty to keep me busy and will never run out of projects to do or things to organize and clean.
And yet I am tired of this, of masking up and staying apart, of not feeling safe.
I am not alone. Everyone I talk to is tired, though everyone I know is doing all they can to stay safe for themselves and their families. We think it's important to do this right.
So I keep track of the days, anxious for the notice that I can get the vaccine. My daughter the doctor has been vaccinated and still practices all the safety measures. Once vaccinated I will continue to wear a mask and socially distance in public. Once my sons and daughters-in-law receive the vaccine we hope to see each other in person, hopefully sometime this summer. I have grandchildren to play with and a grandson born in November that I have yet to hold. There is a lot of time to make up, forty-nine weeks and counting.
The journey continues....
