I’m usually a keep-things-to-myself type of person, but even I have to spew off sometimes.
This damn pandemic.
We all want the horror of this awful, awful, awful virus to end. As this dread goes on, we need to remain diligent.
Sometimes it’s hard, isn’t it?
Breathe in. Breathe out (with a mask).
Winter is here in the Northern Hemisphere where I live. Cold weather isn’t all that good for not spreading the virus because people gather inside in groups at times.
I don’t know about you, but I dread seeing another round, this time with freaking new COVID-19 variants. How sad. Haven’t we learned anything? Why is it so hard to wear a mask, keep our hands clean and away from our face, and social distance? IMHO it isn’t one of the hardest things we’ll have to do in life.
I’m an introvert, so staying home isn’t difficult for me, but that doesn’t mean I never want to see anyone or go somewhere besides to pick up a grocery order or visit my medical facility.
All of my life, I’ve never liked to be told what to do. Growing up, my dad and I butted heads because of my stubbornness independence. However, when experts TELL ME how to protect myself AND YOU during a pandemic, I sit back and listen and then follow their guidelines.
Do you think I like it? I miss living my old life and my friends and family. We have to cross many state lines to see each other. I’m not putting my family in danger, and they won’t put me in danger. I’m so sick and tired of washing groceries. I’m unable to visit my little brother who is living in his last days. Yeah, I’m mad and sad, too, but I don’t know who to be mad at. Do you? Well, without getting political… (This isn’t about politics, so be cool, okay?)
Recently, my ex-husband drove from Michigan to Virginia to see our youngest son. His trip made me worried, happy for him, and angry at the same time. Yet, I understood his need. I didn’t know until he hit the road. He knew better than to tell me. Before this pandemic started, he and I had planned a trip together to see my son and daughter-in-law in their new home. Then COVID arrived, and we didn’t go. Thankfully, when he went, no one got sick, but he put them and himself at risk. Dammit!
Dammit!
People are giving up. Lately, on social media I hear people say “I’ve had enough” or “I’m done with this.”
Well, hell, so am I, but I am NOT giving up.
We can’t give up!
What if everyone gave up?
What would be left of the world?
Who would feed this darlin’ dog and cat? 💙
Okay, that’s getting too deep, and I don’t expect an answer, but please don’t give up or stop trying. There are vaccines if you want one and can get it. Better days really are ahead. That’s what we have to believe. Strive for. Contribute to.
Stay healthy. Have fun safely. This pandemic isn’t over.
Image credits from Pixabay: Featured image Emotions-alexas_Fotos. Dog-moshehar. Cat-mammiya. Cup/book/blossoms-Anrita 170
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel 
9 thoughts on “Pondering With An Attitude”
Teagan Riordain Geneviene
I hear you, Mary. That’s very much the way I feel.
If one is an introvert, loner, or even an agoraphobic, this pandemic has its own set of difficulties, and we suffer from them at least as much as those who are outgoing or social butterflies.
The way I look at it, if I “gave up” now and acted “normally” — they I would have wasted the entire year. People who “give up” and act as if it isn’t happening are being selfish.
Be well. Be happy and sassy. Hugs on the wing.
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
You make a good point in saying giving up is like wasting the past year and all the hard work we did to stay well. Congrats on releasing the second volume in your fantasy serial Dead of Winter Journey 2.
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D. Wallace Peach
I’m an introvert too, Mary, but you’re so right that being an introvert doesn’t mean that we’re hermits. It’s no wonder that mental health challenges are increasing for so many people. We’re all so tired of this. But the vaccine is coming. Months away for me, but I hang onto that. There will be boosters and we won’t be free of virus for a long time, but I expect that we’ll be hugging again this summer. Hang in there.
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
My health system sent me an email with a survey to see if and where I’d like to get the vaccine–through them, a pharmacy, etc. Then a couple of weeks later another email came saying they were out of the vaccine. I expected it to be a waiting game, but I hear our president put in a big order. I waited two hours once to get a COVID test, so I can wait for the vaccine, too, if I have to. Not that I like waiting in line for hours.
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D. Wallace Peach
Bring a book. 🙂 Oregon is disorganized. I’m kind of surprised at the incompetence, but it is what it is. We’re being as patient as we can be, and we’ll stand in line if that’s the only way. Argh. I can’t wait until this is over-ish.
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fionamcgier
3 of our 4 kids live out of state, 4-5 hours away. One son has the two toddler grandsons–we haven’t seen any of them since late October, when we went on a family (masked) camping trip, braving the cold just for a chance to see and hug each other. Zoom and Skype help, but it’s not the same. I’ve been sewing 3-layer masks for family and friends for months. This too, shall pass–but I sure wish it would be sooner, rather than later!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
I agree about this passing sooner than later, Fiona. Praying it does. I use a filter in my masks for a third layer. Cool that you make them. I made mine in the beginning when we couldn’t find them. A kind that didn’t call for a sewing machine. Better than nothing.
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Jacquie Biggar
I can’t understand why washing your hands, wearing a fashionable mask 🙂 and maintaining some distance is the end of the world, either. I think they should take the protesters and make them work in senior care homes to see WHY these steps are so important.
JUst kidding, but it is frustrating!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
It is frustrating, Jacquie. Working together to fight this battle shouldn’t be so difficult. 😣
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