It’s odd, interacting with the world again after over a year of avoiding it. This is the first weekend it’s really felt different. Being vaccinated doesn’t mean I’m suddenly jumping into crowds or eating indoors at restaurants but it does mean things do need to start to change for me if ever.
Yesterday was the first day we sat outside at a brewery and had a beer. Today, my mom and I ate brunch outside at a local restaurant (we had the whole patio to ourselves in this case). We spent time in local stores, masks on, and while I’ve done a little of that before when it wasn’t crowded this time there was no lingering guilt or fear.
In a couple of weeks, we’re having a small family gathering with some extended family. People keep making plans to visit Door County, to stay over at my parents or my place. Travel plans.
And it’s okay, it’s all okay.
It’s going to take me some time to get used to that, but I’m looking forward to enjoying a summer where I am still careful but not unsafe. Where I can eat outdoors and try new restaurants and ask my neighbors to get a beer. Where I can plan to see my closest friends with quarantines. Where, hopefully, I’ll stop having my dreams interrupted when my sleeping self remembers I need to be wearing a mask and then panics. It throws off the whole story sequence when my brain remembers we’re in a pandemic.
I am so glad I am vaccinated and thankful the people closest to me have been able to access vaccines too. What a gift.
With Love,
Natalie