S2: E8 Two Weeks

What a difference a year makes.

This time last year the world shut down for what we thought was two weeks.

Two weeks turned into two more, and soon 4 months.

Here we are a year later and still so many things have not opened fully or have had to permanently close. Lots of people have adjusted to working at home or learning through a computer screen.

COVID-19 at this rate has impacted everyone in some shape or form. Whether you have had it, know someone who has, lost someone to it, or have been exposed, it's become a part of lives now. 

How many times have we been told to wear a mask, wash our hands, and stay 6 feet apart from others? It's basically the new anthem. Wearing masks is so normal now that when I do see someone without one, I am startled!

There is light at the end of this very long tunnel though with the vaccines rolling out. Still, it's hard to know what the right thing to do is sometimes. I just want to hug people again! Or even show off my smile to strangers! I find myself starting to get comfortable letting my guard down a bit, but then afterwards the "what if" worries start to kick in. I just hope for that day where we don't have to panic anymore.

I am very grateful that after all this time, COVID and I have not formally met. My heart goes out to everyone in the WORLD who have had to deal with this awful virus. It is truly heartbreaking.

A retail job, in my opinion, is not an essential job. Those out there on the frontlines (nurses, doctors, grocery workers, etc.) have quite literally been risking their lives for others since day 1. I am however exposing myself to the public just about every single day, so my job can be overwhelming at times. One day as I was finishing up a transaction, my guest casually handed me a homemade wooden pin in the shape of a heart that said "COVID-19 WARRIOR". I immediately thanked them for it but didn't get a chance to inquire. Which is probably how they intended the exchange since they had already walked away.

I would not consider myself a warrior, but this guest must have appreciated me being there in these challenging times. That little gesture meant so much to me and I am still blown away by it. 

Two weeks turned into a year.

But at least I am still here.

-mvm-