Anniversary

 

Life etiquette is sometimes not so straight-forward.

Opening a door for an elder – easy.

Cleaning up your dog’s poo when on a walk – easy.

One year pandemic anniversaries – not as clear-cut.

“Hi mom, I just wanted to call and wish you a happy pandemic anniversary. Congrats on making it through the last year. I have a cupcake with 1 candle coming your way today in the mail. Instead of the usual paper cupcake liner, I used a cute facemask around the cupcake which you can wash and use as PPE.”

vs.

“Hi mom, I just wanted to offer my condolences for you having to put up with a year of pandemic living. I hope this 2^nd year of the pandemic is better for you. By the way, if it makes you feel any better, we are in a pandemic over here as well.”

You can decide today which approach you take. (Probably best to take neither of the above.)

 

Crazy to think about a year since March 11^th, 2020 and these words from the World Health Organization (WHO):

WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction. We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. 

Has it flown by? Kind of.

Has time seemed to slow to a crawl? That as well.

Here is my plan for observing this anniversary:

I choose to celebrate life.

I choose the path my patient this morning with cancer shared – wake up each day grateful for a new day and the health enjoyed in that moment.

I choose to appreciate the fragile nature of life lived with others.

I choose hope as I look toward the small things beginning to return to normal and think of the hugs and moments of healing these months ahead will bring.

I choose optimism toward the ways we will be for one another, with each other after the pandemic subsides.

I choose to renew my faith that we can act collectively, putting each other’s health and well-being above selfish interests.

I choose to rededicate myself to equity as a principle that will guide us to a better way, understanding that this pandemic has only increased inequities and the work to be done in this realm.

I choose to laugh often, and help others do the same.

And with that, I wish one thing on this pandemic anniversary. 

I wish for you the chance to reflect yourself on what you want to choose in this moment. That is a precious opportunity, and one that will be chosen for us (by media, friends, family, coworkers, etc.) if we do not make time to choose for ourselves.

Blessings to each of you.

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