Living during a Pandemic

By Bernadette A. Sahm

Recently a question came to me about how has life been and changed for you while living through COVID-19. So many thoughts came to mind …

First thought was I am having lunch tomorrow with a friend of almost 25 years, we haven’t seen each other in over a year since before the pandemic started, normally we get together a few times every year. Together we are high energy and we talk about everything from careers to family, to friends, our travels our husbands and more.  We know one another well. I am already viewing tomorrow as more than “lunch” but like much needed “therapy” we need our girlfriends. I know that I do.

I have another dear friend who I met with twice during the pandemic one breakfast and one breakfast birthday celebration. We wore our masks and socially distanced. As awkward as it was initially we didn’t hug but after our lunch visit we did, that hug was “normal” and we needed and wanted some ”normalcy” in our lives. I walked away feeling healthier and lighter and in a much better frame of mind.    

The thing I miss most about the pandemic is seeing people, being with friends and with family and with co-workers. Right behind that would be travel. Since we are empty nesters the last several years we have travelled quite a bit. I miss it. We are fortunate to own a second home at the beach. It has been a lifesaver for two people that work hard and then enjoy weekends away.

During COVID-19 I have cooked more, baked more and read more books. Although I have struggled with writing. I have followers of my blog who have messaged me, “Are you there? Are you still there?”  I just haven’t had much to say. I don’t have the answers, like everyone else it is a struggle and a challenge living through a pandemic when all our “norms” have been uprooted.  

During this time I am most thankful that I am at peace. I am at peace with all my relationships and this was not always the case. I can’t imagine going through this period of time with any open wounds or unresolved conflicts. It would just be even more of a burden and difficult to manage during an already heavy period in time.

I am grateful for the work that I do and with the people that I work with who have become like family. A true blessing!  The one thing I learned that has been a saving grace is stop thinking about all the things you can’t do right now because of COVID and focus on all the things that you can do. This came after a much needed and most welcome face-to-face meeting with my Supervisor.

Often, I think about young people who are missing out on normal rites of passage such as prom, graduation, sports, and normal school related activities. As sad as the suicide rates have become with young people, it doesn’t shock me. My sense is that they do not have enough life experience to fully grasp that this will pass. It is not normal and will not last forever. 

Regularly and often I count my blessings, I have a loving husband and a precious pooch at home. I have work that is satisfying and relationships in my work that are meaningful and life affirming. So when I feel like complaining I remind myself just how blessed my life has been and continues to be before, during and God-willing after COVID-19.

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer