The answer is yes, it is possible to miss the pandemic, because nothing is truly ever 100% bad. Let’s rewind for a second. I remember the second week of March 2020 like it was yesterday. You probably have vivid memories from that pivotal time as well. Or maybe you’ve totally blocked it out, your mind unwilling to face the origins of our tragic new reality. It was the week that everything changed: we officially entered a pandemic. Life was put on pause, and the future became a huge question mark.
That week, like many others, Larry and I stocked up as best we could on food and paper products. EJ and I attended one last tummy time class. Our plans for that upcoming weekend were cancelled (later on we would learn that this weekend of socializing caused a major spike in New York City). Within days, the city shutdown. We had hoped it would only be for a few weeks, maybe even a month or two. Easy, right?
Here we are one damn year later! There is finally a glimmer of hope in sight for a return to normal life. Spring is in the air and the vaccine rollout is picking up speed. There is some faith that 4th of July parties may be able to held safely – and what a way to celebrate! Our countries’ collective yearning for normalcy is palpable. We are ready! I am ready. Recently though, I’ve been reflecting on the many ways I will miss the pandemic. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve become accustomed to the quarantine life. I can hardly remember what it was like in the before times. The end of the pandemic is truly bittersweet for me, and here are just a few of the reasons why:
I will miss being at home with my family
Oh, how I’ve treasured our togetherness! There is so much comfort in being with your loved ones, especially in these days of uncertainty. As much as we all got on each other’s nerves, I have absolutely cherished the time spent with my husband and baby. We have created such a strong family bond – especially Larry and EJ. It’s is beautiful to see how attached EJ is to his father, knowing that under normal circumstances their time together would have been maybe 10% of what it is now.
In a world full of chaos and anxiety, the three of us have become the ultimate safe space for one another. I know that our bond won’t disappear just because we’re no longer stuck inside fearing for our health and safety. But our bond will have to take a new shape, and mold itself into something more compatible with the outside world… Losing some facets and features only to gain others that are just as strong. I am wholeheartedly accepting of this change, but acutely aware of how much I will miss our little bubble.
I will miss the slower pace of life
As New Yorkers, everything can just feel so rushed, and crammed and just generally fast. With the pandemic, many of us have been forced to take a step back and just breathe. All of the fun social things that keep life so busy – things like events, appointments, and classes – are shelved, modified or virtual. Depending on your comfort level, seeing a few friends may or may not be an option. There is just simply less to do. And I have to say, not having a calendar packed with activities and obligations is actually kind of nice!
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Shortly after having EJ, I was quick to go out and about on the town again. I couldn’t wait to party after sitting out so many festivities while pregnant (kind of like where we all are now)! But as much as I love getting glammed up and having a night out, I am a homebody at heart. Vegging out on the couch in sweatpants is my jam! With the pandemic, I can have my lazy weekends and not feel that pang of regret for turning down an RSVP. There is no FOMO to be had by taking it easy. It has been more frustrating than it has been relaxing, now that we’re at the year mark. I am way beyond ready to bid adieu to my couch potato nights! But I will always fondly remember how good it felt to be home with absolutely nothing to do, indulging in my homebody tendencies.
I will miss the feelings of unity
It’s rare for almost the entire world to be experiencing the same exact thing at once. So in experiencing social isolation together, we had to think of new, creative ways to stay connected. The term “window to the outside world” has never felt more relevant. Italians took to singing outside of their windows, while Americans were posting hearts on theirs. Just down the block from our apartment, a Broadway star would open his window wide to serenade the neighborhood at sunset. These little bits of joy for everyone to appreciate while social distancing, fostered feelings of togetherness when lockdown had taken over our lives.
In the early days of pandemic, the 7pm clapping for all of the nurses, doctors and essential workers putting their lives at risk was one of my favorite times of day. It was so beautiful and uniting. There we all were, mostly cooped up in our homes, but joining together to lift up our heroes with the help of windows, rooftops, and balconies. I’ve never felt more connected to random strangers more than those evening moments. In a city where people aren’t exactly known for their friendliness, I love that we all found ways to unite and warm each others’ hearts.
But we’re not there yet!
It sort of feels like we’re in limbo right now, straddling the line between the pandemic hellscape and heavenly normality. As we inch forward toward post pandemic life, remember to take in all the not-so-bad stuff that the pandemic has brought to you. It may be hard to find, (and maybe I’m being a bit naive), but I believe we all have at least one thing we will miss from this historic time. Because pretty soon, it will all just be a distant memory…