Week 48: Every day feels like it is a bit closer to the “end” of Covid-19. I see more friends getting vaccinated. My mother had her first shot with no side effects. I know it is going to take time to get to where we can feel safe going out into large groups but at least I feel like we are moving forward.

Do I believe Covid will go away? No. I think it will be more like the flu or one of the other items we get shots against each year. I figure we will just add it to the list – flu shot, Covid shot, shingles shot….

My children are struggling, quite a bit. As we close in on the year mark they are ready to go to college and break free from us but with Covid that has been stunted. They have done well for so long but I can see the depression and anger setting in. I don’t blame them. They are angry with everything from the government to climate change. From me to the man throwing a cigarette butt out the window of his car. We have been under a cold snap for the last two weeks of single digits to mid-teens and then add on wind chill temps. Our local school had 2 holiday days for President’s Day and then a snow day right after. On top of that after losing a beloved teacher a few weeks ago one of the students in their school committed suicide. So very sad. These kids are going through so much.

But, my daughter is seeing glimmers of hope. She is dancing next weekend, hopefully, as long as they are able to keep the venue open and safe. It is in Dallas so fingers are crossed for the area. My wife has volunteered to help with any fundraising or cleanup they are sponsoring while she is there. We have friends that moved down there and the houses just aren’t equipped for this weather. She is from Michigan and was caught off guard. At least they had power for some of the storm but other friends have no water and are boiling snow. We know that is NOT good.

But, warmer days are ahead. I know they are coming for all of us and sunshine will do us well. We just need to keep moving forward until we can see it.