When it’s all over

Since everyone else is doing the “it’s been a whole year since…” thing, I’ll do it too. It’s been a whole year since I last stepped foot in my office at work. My wall calendar is probably still stuck at March 2020 like the hands frozen on a pocket watch after a disaster. I have a large collection of masks. I’ve dried out my hands from overwashing and hand sanitizer. I’ve made it through toilet paper shortages, had to listen to jokes about bleach and hydroxychloroquine, shepherded our granddaughter through online school, dreaded every cough, and lived in fear that someone I love got sick.

Now, it seems like we’re getting close to the end. Some of my family members have already been fully vaccinated. We’ve moved into a tier where restaurants can open for indoor dining again. I can look forward to going to Angel games and vacations again. Although we’re not out of danger yet, and variants and public impatience can lead to another deadly surge, there is hope.

What will it be like when it’s all over?

Recovering from the pandemic is like an individual recovering from any major illness or injury. I remember when I had an appendectomy 10 years ago. When I was discharged from the hospital, my doctor told me I could gradually return to normal activity. I took an extra week of sick time, and I did a little more of my regular routine each day. I was soon back to normal.

The problem is that normal got us into trouble in the first place. I thought going to the hospital was the wake-up call I needed to get healthy…