Missing That Closeness

I read a meme the other day that made me lol, which I guess a good meme should. It was Clint Eastwood in that “Get off my porch” picture and it said:

I know it’s been a rough few months for some people and there are still some restrictions. We are still having church via Zoom here in Virginia Beach. Some churches are open but the one we’ve been attending is being cautious and I think it’s a good thing. It is an older congregation and it’s just not worth the risk. It’s nice to see everyone on a laptop or cellphone but it’s just not the same. I find myself missing that personal connection; that handshake or pat on the back.

I think that’s what I’ve missed the most during this pandemic; the closeness of a conversation where we welcome someone into our world. I’m still talking with people but it seems like everything is from a distance. My son had a co-worker over the other night and I did it again! I went in for the handshake only to veer off at the last minute, “Nope! We’re not supposed to do that.” It felt like something was missing.

Everything else you could get used to I guess although I’m still waiting to see how baseball operates. I can’t imagine watching a game on television with no crowd. A long drive hit to the outfield just won’t be the same without the roar of the crowd. Can you imagine a closer coming in for the ninth inning? Bases loaded, two out, and he strikes him out! But nobody cheers? I’ve also read where the visiting team’s announcers will not travel with the club but will broadcast the game while they watch it on monitors. They’ll describe the game for us. Strange. I don’t think I’d like not being able to see the whole field while working.

I try not to use the term “new normal” because I’m really hoping things go back to the “old” normal. I do think we’ve learned some new things or new ways to do things during this virus. Working from home will hopefully be an option for some and I must say I enjoyed a teleconference with my doctor. One did it via video and I think it was a very good meeting. It cut out my waiting time in the doctor’s office and was very efficient. I can’t imagine the insurance companies letting this continue but I would like the option.

I don’t know when it will all end but I do hope people are careful. Like others, I fear another surge this summer or in the fall and I would hate to see us have to go back to closing things.

I don’t know how they’re going to able to run school with all the CDC recommendations. I don’t see how they can keep all the children and teachers at a safe distance. Do we have enough staff? Can we pay these people? How are we going to be able to bring sports back? Can we?

Hopefully it straightens out by the holidays and yes, I am afraid it could take that long. I hope that we will be able to celebrate as we have in the past with family and friends and actually going TO church to worship.

Here’s hoping a vaccine is just around the corner.