One Year Later
Almost exactly one year ago, we decided to lock down at home because the virus was marching across the Country, and the cases were rising. In so many ways, I feel that we were extremely naive about what actions to take. We mostly stayed at home. The CDC was still saying that we didn’t need masks (which still makes me angry). We hardly knew anything about COVID-19. Now, we know a lot, yet we still have so much to learn.
We Didn’t Start the Fire
In brief: virus outbreak, global infections, pandemic, sickness, death, quarantines, economic downturns, jobs lost, hoarding of essential goods, hungry families, unrest due to racial unfairness, protests, political division and unrest, insurrection, anger, hatred, polarization. Yikes!
Take Heart
We have hope. We have a new government that is working to put humanitarian issues first. We have three approved vaccines in the USA: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. We hope to receive ours within the next couple of months.
Everyday Life Is Every Day
After one year of this routine of mostly being safe at home, it will be so strange to be out in public, with a lot of other people. Having commitments will be strange. Right now, we have very few demands on our time, free to do whatever we want. Once we can get out and be social, it will be a bit stressful. When you think about it, we have become quite shuttered from society, and we will have to adjust over time. Since we still have to gently enter society again, it will help.
Things That I Think Will be Troublesome
As I watch events unfold, these things are troubling to me:
- Will the vaccines have long-term effects that are yet unknown?
- How will we help globally to share our vaccines, to be fair to all?
- How will COVID-19 victims and families pay their medical bills? If they are in the ICU with such high touch care, it will surely be millions of dollars in healthcare, which they will never be able to repay. How will we help them?
- Again I ask, what happens with all of the extra garbage that we are generating, with masks, gloves, packages, plastic ware?
- What happens with the “long haulers” who have had the virus, and will likely have life-long health issues?
- Will the healthcare providers categorize COVID-19 as a pre-existing condition, which they will not cover? That would be horrendous.
- What’s our plan for vaccine boosters for variants and going forward, since this virus will probably be with us for the rest of our lives?
- What’s our plan for the next potential pandemic, so something like this doesn’t happen again? We were so ill prepared.
Happy One Year To You and Me
We did it! We made it through a global pandemic for one whole year, and all of the bullshit that went with it. Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back, keep wearing your mask, and get your vaccine when you can. Fingers crossed that things keep getting better for all of us.
Peace
I wish you peace of mind and soul during these trying times. Please keep the faith. Hold on and hold fast.
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