Satisfying Summer
Can you believe it?! Summer is coming to an end. This particular season felt shorter, thus every reason to make the most of it, and I really did this time around, all things considered.
With a pandemic still in play and people being ridiculously obstinate, I stayed active but responsible in my endeavors.
(I don’t understand people who are swayed by anti-vaccine propaganda. This is coming from a person who you might think would ride this bandwagon because of my laundry list of allergies. Also, decades ago I used a drug to treat acne, which had unforeseen side effects. To this day, those effects persist.
The point… One must weigh the pros and cons of any situation, but when it comes to a pandemic, we must think of the greater good because what we are talking about is population health.
Regardless of my unfortunate situation, I am forever a proponent of drugs, vaccines, devices and all things research because it keeps humanity thriving. We live longer as a result. To think otherwise is – well, foolish.
And, as for the vaccine naysayers, and their politicizing – JUST STOP! I will gamble and say, most politicians are not working for your health, but scientists are, and so are the many healthcare workers who are underpaid, overwhelmed and at times, undervalued.)
Now that I got that out of my system, let’s talk about summer.
My summer fun didn’t come with a lot of fanfare – big trips, etc. It was quiet, calm and peaceful. With all of that came moments of great splendor, and memories worth remembering.
Long walks and hikes (sometimes up to 20-miles a day), cicadas, picnics, fire escape garden time with neighbors, a few impromptu getaways to the mountains and beach, check-ins with friends by text and email and probably what I will treasure most about this summer is building a bridge. I didn’t build it alone, but with someone I have known my whole life, and haven’t seen in decades, my sister.
This was a summer for learning, growing and moving beyond. Time doesn’t always heal emotional pain, but it can make you stronger, and a little more resilient. An added bonus, I became a little wiser, too.
To all who read this, I hope you had a lovely summer, too. Here’s to your fall. Spend as much time as you can outdoors because it will heal your spirit.
As always, wear a mask and practice social distancing when appropriate. And to the anti-vaxxers, I hope you have a change of heart when it comes to getting vaccinated. If you are like me, eager to resume a "normal life", you’ll do it.
The pandemic continues. Be kind. Be considerate. Be understanding. Agree to disagree. Don’t judge. – paerki
