I know it is still too early to think about a return to “normal life” but now that so many of us are fully vaccinated, glimmers of hope are appearing on the horizon.
Yesterday I went to campus for a grad student presentation that included five fully vaccinated humans, including me. It was the first time I have done anything official on campus in over a year.
I had to wear real shoes and real clothes. My socks had to match.
Check.
I needed all kinds of “stuff” gathered to take — and a Puppy Nanny. It is a lot of work to get all official, I must say.
For my efforts, I got a ticket — who buys a parking pass when there is a pandemic and we are working from home?! #rude
FIFTY DOLLARS?!
Although I was thrilled to see colleagues and students in person, I felt overwhelmed and tired when I got home — surprisingly so. That reaction reminded me that going back — whatever that looks like — is not going to be like flipping a light switch.
I suspect the challenge for many of us will be thoughtfully creating a post-pandemic life that merges what we have missed with what we have come to appreciate.
I am starting this process by considering those two things — what have I missed? What do I appreciate about life in the past year?
My hope is that the answers will allow me to create new ways of being that honors and makes meaning out of Pandemic Life.
Clark. Gone but not forgotten. A constant check on my perspective.
It cannot have been for naught. It just can’t.