My Parents Vaccinations and My Son’s Return to School

Summary

The author reflects on the unexpected nature of recent life events, contrasting current gratitude for simple joys like vaccinations and a child's return to school with the surreal feeling that these events resemble the effects of drugs.

Abstract

The text is a personal reflection on the author's changed perspective over the past two years. Initially, the idea of celebrating a child's limited school hours and parents' vaccinations would have seemed outlandish, almost as if it were a drug-induced fantasy. The author humorously considers how they would have reacted to such news in the past, suggesting a desire to experience the substance that could inspire such scenarios. However, the reality of the past two years has brought a profound appreciation for life's basic aspects, including the end of a presidency and the experience of solitude, which has led to a deeper understanding of gratitude.

Opinions

The author expresses a humorous disbelief at how their definition of a 'highlight' has changed, implying that current circumstances would have once seemed too bizarre to be true.
There is a suggestion that the author values social interaction and normalcy, as evidenced by the joy derived from the son's return to school and the parents' vaccinations.
The author seems to have a critical view of the past presidency, indicating relief and a sense of liberation at its end.
The text conveys a sarcastic wish to have access to a drug that could have predicted the current state of affairs, highlighting the surreal nature of recent events.
A sense of gratitude permeates the author's narrative, acknowledging a shift in perspective that allows them to appreciate the present moments, regardless of their simplicity or limitations.

Life is imitating drugs

If you would have said to me two years ago, that the highlight of March would be my parents getting vaccinated and my son going to school two hours a day, I would have asked what you were smoking. Then, I would have asked where I could buy what you were smoking. And then, I would have asked if what you were smoking could be purchased in bulk. And finally, I would have planned a party, made everyone smoke that, and see what kind of crazy shit they came up with.

But I don’t do drugs, so I’ll just have to settle with the fact that life seems to be imitating drugs.

If you would have told me two years ago, that I spent one year without seeing anyone, I would have asked if I’d finally figured out how to live on a desert island. “Did I finish my novel?” I would have also asked. And what food and book did I decide to bring with me?

If you would have told me two years ago, that we would have a new president, I would have had to take a moment and a breath. I would have said, “So it finally ends? We are free of him?”

If you would have told me two years ago, that I would sit here day after day, grateful for every moment, I would have said, “What happened? What made me finally understand gratitude?”

Gratitude

My Parents Vaccinations and My Son’s Return to School

Life is imitating drugs