Well, it's been a year since the world went into pandemic mode. It started with the quarantine and the shut down of many businesses and cancellation of events. Basically, we were not allowed to gather in hopes that we could "flatten the curve" and keep the number of cases within a manageable range. The virus came and went in our family with full recovery all around. The vaccine is now here to save the day and many aspects of life have returned. Others have not, but I don't mind so much. I have adapted in many ways. This is my life now.
I believe in masks. It shows we care about each other. I wear masks. I hate masks. I can't breathe. I find myself yawning constantly trying to get more oxygen. I can't hear what people say, because apparently I don't hear as well as I think I do. I read lips. If I can't see your lips, I can't hear your words. I don't like smelling my own breath. My face gets hot. I get a headache. But...they allow me to go to the store, and the doctor, and church. I love church. I keep masks in my car and in my purse. Sometimes I take the wrong car or leave my mask on the counter instead of my purse. I've bummed a mask from the customer service desk, the store next door, and my relatives. Once I just kept shopping. I felt like a rebel. I don't like that feeling. I'm a rule follower...even if I complain.
On Sundays I go to church. We used to use all the rows in the chapel, then we couldn't use any rows. We had home church. We also joined with my son and his family on zoom. That was wonderful. I'm very thankful for the times I listened to my son testify of Christ and his wife share her inspired thoughts and their children sing the songs of Zion. Thank you Covid. Now we go to church again and sit every other row with our masks on. I miss hugging my friends and seeing faces, but it's better than nothing. I know that now.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays I work at the garden center. This happy surprise opportunity allows me to learn more about plants and landscaping, earn money and get more plants which is only the best treat in the world.
On Tuesday and Thursday morning I have Grandma school with my grandson. This came about because of my son's company's childcare allowance and my daughter-in-law needing to homeschool and online school help her older children. Another Covid perk.
Every day except Sunday I work in my garden. Paul built me beautiful raised beds that are surrounded by mulch and enclosed with netting wrapped around stakes to prevent the deer from eating the plants. I have tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, berries, pomegranates, and flowers. I started them from seeds in the winter. Now they are planted in the garden, and I am advertising my new business. People can order a garden bouquet, and I deliver it within 6 miles. I still get to take flowers to my friends, but I have a dream of a little flower side hustle. Also, gardening is such a joyful activity. I love seeing the plants grow. I'm a big fan of creation.
My life is lovely and especially so now that there is a little more travel and I get to see my grandchildren. Not being with family was definitely one of the worst parts of the pandemic, but I'm thankful that I have clarity on my priorities. All I need now is for the temple to open and my life would be perfect. I'm confident that will come soon.
I'm sorry that many families have lost loved ones and some are still struggling with long term effects of illness, but it's nice to remember that relationships are a treasure and a simple life can be a joyful life.
