I just saw a four-word quote that tells, for me, the present story of what I call The Time of Emergence. The words: "I miss the smiles.”
For the long days and months, as we struggled with mega challenges, and all (some begrudgingly) began wearing masks almost everywhere.
We (most of us) understood the necessity to convince ourselves that masked we were doing the right thing - and maybe like me, made believe to ourselves that we were Lawrence of Arabia in a sandstorm, the Lone Ranger, Hannibal Lecter, Darth Vader spouting “I am your Father” or even Zorro (the Fox who is cunning and free) - any of many of the masked cinema images of our past. But we knew we were trying to convince ourselves that we were doing the right thing being masked while walking down the street, going to church and going to the supermarket where we even had to make sure we were walking in the direction the arrows were telling us.
So many times did I, one, wonder who that person was that was greeting me while they wore something garish covering the majority of their face; or, two, looking into the eyes of someone masked who looked familiar, but wondering who they were, and feeling they were thinking the same thing.
How many times did you walk halfway from your car to the market or corner store and curse silently while reversing course to pick up your forgotten mask. Worse yet, actually walk into the store only to have all those masked people look at your naked face thinking evil thoughts because you forgot to wear one.
Well, it looks like our masked existence has gone by for the time being as we once again can greet our friends with full knowledge that it is in fact them. And what do we do? We smile.
As we emerge, sometimes we let things drift from our minds. Here is an anonymous quote that I plan to hold on to.
“This is April 25, 2020. We are at 23 days of social isolation. Gas prices in Dover are $1.60. Schools have been closed since mid-march and classes are being taught on-line. This will continue for the rest of the school year.
There are lines/tapes inside the stores on the floor to keep people six feet apart.
Bars and restaurants are open only for takeout, home delivery and pick-up.
Parks, beaches, hiking trails and walk-in places are not accessible to the public.
All major and minor league sports competitions have been cancelled as well as kids’ sports.
Weddings, family and birthday celebrations have been cancelled. Funerals have been limited to 10 to 20 people.
All festivals and entertainment events have been banned.
People have been doing drive-by parades to celebrate birthdays.
Young kids can’t understand why they can only see grandparents or other extended family members and friends on a screen or through a window if someone visits in person or on Facetime online.
Hugs and kisses are not exchanged.
The churches are closed or online.
We have to stay away from each other more than six feet.
Shortages of disposable masks and gloves in hospitals.
There are fewer ventilators than there should be.
People are wearing masks. There are some places that even require that you wear them to enter. People are even sewing their own cloth masks for sale or donation to medical facilities.
Toilet paper, sanitizer, bleach, antibacterial wipes and anything Lysol or Clorox is in short supply and limited per person if you can find them.
Stores are closing early to disinfect. Twenty-four hour stores are even closing by 9 p.m.
Store checkouts, pharmacies, and even fast food drive in windows have added plexiglass between the employee and the customer. You have to reach over or under to pay.
You can’t find isopropyl alcohol easily. The supply per person is limited.
Australia, Canada, Europe and USA have closed their borders.
Western Australia has been divided into 9 territories and an instant $1,500 fine has been issued for crossing a border into another territory without a valid reason.
No one is traveling for leisure, airports are empty.
“Why do I post this?” says the author. “Next year and every year thereafter I will post this on my Facebook memories feed. And it will be an annual reminder that life is precious and nothing should be taken for granted. We are where we are with what we have so let’s be grateful.”
Folks, we are all human and our nature is to move forward. This chronicle shows us where we were just a year ago, our travail, and where we are now. We cannot predict the future, as the last year has shown us, but we must remember.
Why don’t we all, as this person has, save this hard-to-believe year, and look at it every year. Maybe, just maybe, it will make us better.
And always be empathetic and care for each other.
Ron Cole can be reaching by emailing mrdoverdoins@gmail.com.
The Link LonkMay 02, 2021 at 12:52PM
https://www.fosters.com/story/news/2021/05/02/dover-doins-lets-never-forget-past-year/7398359002/
Dover Doin's: Let's never forget the past year - Foster's Daily Democrat
https://news.google.com/search?q=forget&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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