There is a Silver Lining

I saw a T-Shirt in a store. It said, “The First Rule of 2021 – Do Not Mention 2020!”

At the end of 2019, we could not wait for 2020 to roll around because 2019 had ended on such sad notes with unexpected losses. Little did we know that right around the corner was Covid-19. 

2020 began with Australia’s forests burning down, riots, looting, murder hornets, and the topper: the coronavirus pandemic. Schools became virtual, as did meetings. Many began working from home. Most festivals, parades, and other events were either virtual or cancelled. You cannot go to the movies, plays, attend sports events (even ones held outdoors in warm temperature), concerts (although only some municipalities cancelled their outdoor concerts), dine in indoor restaurants, etc. Parties and all mass gatherings are banned. For a while, you could not even get a haircut or go to church. This is the first year that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was cancelled in New York City – something not even the 1918 Spanish Flu could do. Fun is cancelled for 2020.

Every day the mayors, governors, etc. give Covid-19 briefings, citing the number of cases and deaths from the coronavirus. Many know at least one person who were afflicted with Covid-19.

The pandemic also brought out the best in people. Look at how many organizations donated food and necessary items to the pantries. Many people made protective masks and PPEs that they donated at no cost to hospital workers and first responders. While many people became unemployed, they decided to make personalized masks to sell. It spurred a new industry.

After a while, kids became so disconnected while learning at home online, they missed the companionship of their fellow students and long to be back in school. It is just not the same.

Those same kids who did nothing but play video games and watch YouTube on the internet while texting their friends rather than speak to them cannot wait to have that personal interaction again. These same kids want real board games, puzzles, and other toys of old instead of video games. They want off the computer.

I was listening to a talk show recently and the host said that a lot of stores reported that their nativity set sales were flying off the shelves. A lot of people are buying live Christmas trees instead of putting up artificial ones. More and more families are putting Christmas lights and other festive decorations up.

In a middle of a pandemic, what items are important? Lysol, Clorox wipes, toilet paper, paper towels and other cleaning products. Supermarkets, big box stores are having a booming business. 

One bright spot is that restaurants for the first time were allowed to have outdoor dining and that actually increased their patronage. One woman who owned a restaurant said that when she couldn’t have indoor dining, the demand for takeout increased so much that she had to hire additional help.

Some people began working on projects they had put aside for months or even years. During the spring and summer months, many people began gardening once more. People are finding pleasure in simpler things. Many are learning to cook meals and bake on their own. Items such as yeast that was easily available before Covid-19 are in short supply.

With fewer people traveling and certain industries at a slow crawl, nature is beginning to heal itself. Some species of animals are repopulating, and the air is a little cleaner. You hear the birds chirping a little louder. The night sky is brighter with the moon and stars shining. We all have learned to slow down again.

With the money that President Trump and his administration allocated: Operation Warp Speed, there are three companies that have vaccines coming out. The distribution plans are being finalized. The states will decide who will get the first dosages.

Christmas will be different this year for many. Some will be separated from people they normally celebrate with because of Covid restrictions. Just remember the little things in life – the happy things – whether it be your dog chasing its tale or your cats just being cats. Smile and remember that you survived The Great Time Out.

K.M. & C.M.