On March 7, 2021 it was exactly one year since my father died. I often wonder what he would have thought about the pandemic. As a first responder, he probably would be leading the charge to fight the virus. The day after his funeral, Covid restrictions came into play and the world changed again. Part of me didn’t mind at first, because I wasn’t up for Easter, but this pandemic has taken its toll on everyone.

I miss walking down the street with the cool air blowing on my face. I miss seeing people’s faces when I talk to them. I miss going to some of my favorite places. I miss having fun. I miss a lot of things.

My theory is that Covid-19 is a biological weapon. By whom or why it was released remains to be seen, but it did what it was designed to do: kill us and if that doesn’t happen – weaken us both physically and mentally and most importantly break our spirit. 

The American spirit is a difficult thing to break. We as Americans want to make our own decisions, do what we want to do when we want to do it. All of that has changed during this pandemic. The government is making decisions for us for our own good. Right now, we still need to wear masks, we still need to get vaccinated, and we still need to social distance.

But all of this worries me. You put a ball and chain on a person long enough and you get used to it. Are we ever going to leave our homes to do anything? Will automated machinery and robots do everything that is even partially dangerous, and will we ever go anywhere? How many events are going to be virtual?

I am guilty of preferring meetings on Zoom to live meetings because it is easier than actually going somewhere. It is also easier to shop online. You just pick out the color and size of anything you want and have it shipped to your home. Many already struggling brick and mortar retail stores were forced to close due to competition with a thriving internet. The virus was just the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Over the past year, some things are a little better. There are no longer lines around grocery stores, and you can find toilet paper and Lysol spray. 

Many people are excited and/or relieved that there are now three vaccines available. Not only that, but people are also having success recovering from Covid after doctors prescribe effective medicines that have been on the market for years. I believe those physician’s voices will be heard. I also believe the vaccines are just one of many options available.

We hope you all enjoy a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and a Peaceful Passover and Easter and the joy with those you care about the most.

K.M. & C.M.