In some ways it seems like only yesterday and others it seems like a lifetime ago. Today marks the one year anniversary that Governor Kim Reynolds issued a “State of Public Health Disaster Emergency” activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan. This was a fancy way to say that life as we knew it was coming to a halt. We learned terms like “social distancing, stay at home orders and online learning.”
Most of us had no idea how it would impact us individuals or as a group. No more stopping by your favorite bar for a drink with friends, no more dining-in at restaurants and what it would be like working from home. We became huddled in our homes and told not to leave unless it was an emergency. Grocery shopping was deemed a necessary activity but should only be accomplished by one family member at a time.
Immediately, I thought of all the people who were intending on celebrating the Irish tradition and the bars that stocked up for one of the biggest days of the year. It was only later that holidays like Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th would be spent alone with those that lived in our homes. No one could have imagined that we’d be doing the same thing for Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Traditional days with family and friends were shut down as we waited for a cure or a drug or vaccine that would allow us to return to a “new normal.”
As much as a trip to Cooney’s seemed like a dream come true I often thought about how my Dad would have reacted to the isolation of a retirement facility without visitors depending only on phone calls for contact with the outside world. I’m not sure he would have understood
I can’t imagine the families who were forced to distance from parents in care facilities.
New Year’s Day passed as did Valentine’s Day but by then we were hearing words of hope. A vaccine was coming on line and there was hope for a chance to spend time with family and friends. I know many chose to venture out as if nothing had occurred but my family wasn’t in that group. I did stop in Cooney’s and Christopher’s on off nights when the crowds were small but would become uncomfortable if crowds grew large and headed for home.
We are among the lucky group as a family. Every adult has received one vaccination and I’ve received two. Sunday marked the first time Shari and I celebrated anything with our entire family in over a year. Last year we had planned to celebrated my birthday the weekend after St Patrick’s Day. That didn’t happen.
The first time together started with hugs and a few quiet movements as we all took in the opportunity to be together again. The grandkids led the way returning to normal as they played with toys and kept Grandma Shari busy. We shared dinner together and birthday cupcakes as we celebrated Ann’s birthday along with mine. It almost seemed normal - I’m trying to remember what that was like.
I knew life was moving toward the “new normal” as Tony and I stopped in Cooney’s for a couple of cocktails.
The best part of the day was the grandkids spending the night. It’s been almost a year since that has taken place. Toys, TV and movies and donuts for breakfast marked a perfect return!
Damn they’ve grown!
I’ve spent time thinking back on the weekend and it feels great being with family again.
I know the pandemic isn’t over but there certainly is a feeling of hope.
Let’s all get the vaccine!
03.17.2021
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