Fleetwood Mac never sounded so good – the chorus from Don’t Stop really resonates today.

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow

Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here

It’ll be better than before

Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone

Have we ever been happier to say yesterday’s gone?  Not just yesterday but the whole damn year.  Adios, sayonara, goodbye and good riddance!  I remember last year being so excited that we were starting a new decade wow the ’20’s how exciting.   Well, that was a bust to say the least.  

In a few short months everything we assumed about life, ourselves and others was turned inside out.  My God, how many people died from something we’d never heard of a few months before.  In fear we emptied store shelves of staples instead of buying just what we needed. We became wary of strangers we would normally stop to help. 

The country argued over everything, there was judgement and finger pointing.  Who believes in the pandemic who is a skeptic, who wears a mask, who doesn’t.  Thousands of articles telling us what to do, an equal number telling us what not to do and some suggestions appeared on both lists.  

Nothing is normal and Monty and I try to keep the discomfort at a manageable level with caution as to opposed fear.  Instead of all the things we hoped for in 2020 we hunkered down at home.  We are beginning to feel like hermits and it is scary to think we seem to be adjusting to this new normal.  Once a week I head out to the grocery store with my mask, and Clorox wipes.  Like the sergeant on Hill Street Blues, Monty admonishes me to ‘be careful out there’.  

What’s the one thing you have missed the most?  Dining at a nice restaurant? Saturday morning breakfast at your neighborhood cafe? Gathering at the water cooler to discuss weekend activities ?  Actual weekend activities? Happy Hour with the gang?The vacation that didn’t happen?  Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years celebrations that never materialized. 

I know, without a doubt, I miss hugs and the gentle touch on the arm or shoulder to make a connection with a loved one.  Greeting friends and family at a social distance just doesn’t cut it for me.  I’ve taken hugs for granted but I never will again.

I don’t mind social distancing at the grocery store but I do miss the smiles or casual conversations with others. To simply stand like a bunch of zombies just seems wrong. We are social animals, yet we’ve become afraid to even make eye contact with others of our species let alone actually talk to them.    

I want to take a minute to thank Alexander Graham Bell and the other guys who came up with the idea of talking to someone when they weren’t within shouting distance.  I’m a telephone person, I enjoy touching base with friends, email and texts are convenient and emojis are cute, but I like to hear the smile my friends voice.  Zoom is great because not only do we get to see the smile but we actually see the crinkle of the eyes.  My Zoom peeps in fitness class have been such a bright spot in this otherwise strange landscape.  

I never thought the word vaccine would bring a smile to my lips but here it is.  Vaccine just seems to roll off the tongue in such a satisfying way. I’d convinced myself that we’d not see the vaccine until  late in 2021.  I tend to play that game because then I won’t be disappointed when it turns out as I expected and I will be pleasantly surprised if it turns out better.  

Wait, what’s this about a new mutation?  Could this get any worse?  I’m afraid to ask,  I fear the answer is of course it could.  Over a glass of wine yesterday I brought up a scary thought,  what if this is the end?  What if the virus wins?

Let’s just not go there, OK?

6 replies
  1. Sandy Lorenz
    Sandy Lorenz says:

    Carrie, you actually summarized this whole year. We were all good-no one wants to get this virus & pass it to others. Let’s look ahead & pray 2021 brings our normalcy back. Each day is precious. Happy New Year! Sandy & Karl

  2. Glenn Gilmore
    Glenn Gilmore says:

    Well said, I think we all feel like this, but some of us can’t put it on paper, No wait this is not paper. Oh well we’ll let you do what you do so well . Don’t pick up the shiny fruit someone has already handled those.

    • Carrie Bonello
      Carrie Bonello says:

      Hmmm, not sure about the shinny fruit thing but you could be right. Best just stay out of the stores and get comfy at home.

  3. Cindy
    Cindy says:

    Gosh Glenn that comment about “don’t pick up the fruit” gets me. As I’m in the veggie, fruit section trying to spy with my eyes a good selection. Once in awhile I catch myself squeezing the avocados. Then quickly look around hoping no one saw me. But what the heck – don’t we wash these items when we get home. Happy New Year. I demand a better year ahead. ?

    • Carrie Bonello
      Carrie Bonello says:

      You demand, girl, I’m sure it will work!! Go ahead and fondle the fruits and veggies, no one is looking!!

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