The Pandemic: Was It All Bad?
Reflections about the lockdown during a snowstorm.
As I look out the window at a snow-covered backyard during a snowstorm, I am in awe of its beauty. The snow blankets so many flaws in my unkempt yard and make it look like a winter wonderland.
I am reminded of a time during the pandemic when I was quarantined at home with my family during a similar winter storm. I can still see my little girl bundled up and playing in the snow like it was yesterday.
With the number of Covid deaths down nationwide, the days of shutdowns, lockdowns, and isolation seem to be behind us. The pandemic led to some scary and extraordinary times. But were the times all bad? Here are some positive things that I got from the pandemic.
Time with family
First and foremost, the greatest thing from the pandemic for me was the time spent with my family. My father wasn’t around for much of my childhood. My six-year-old daughter will not have to say the same thing. Spending almost every day of 2020 watching her grow, learn and develop into a funny, empathetic, and beautiful little girl is an experience that I will always value.
Curbside shopping
What else did the pandemic produce that I am not ready to let go of? How about the convenience of curbside shopping? I am not just talking about groceries. I was able to complete a remodeling job without ever once stepping foot into a lumberyard or hardware store. I did miss restaurants, but most rose to the challenge, making getting to-go food and online ordering extremely convenient.
One of my favorite things to utilize was the drive-thru liquor stores. These should be everywhere!
Online convenience
One of the greatest victories during the lockdown for me was getting my automobiles registered and my driver’s license renewed without ever leaving my home. Why wasn’t this always a thing? It took a global pandemic to streamline one of the most painful experiences of living in the modern age.
Video conferencing
Another development that I did like about 2020 was the proliferation of online meetings. Not only did video meetings allow us to conduct work while being at home, they also offered a way to see family and friends from far away that I would not get to see during a normal year.
The end of the pandemic
With all that said, I will admit that I am happy that life is largely back to what it was before the pandemic. I am glad to be back at work and seeing people on a daily basis. I am ecstatic that the worst of the health crisis is behind us and I am no longer paralyzed with fear for my family’s lives.
But there are good things that came from the pandemic. I don’t want to forget the lessons of friendship and family, inventive shopping, and technology conveniences.
Like the snow in my backyard, perhaps the good memories have masked the bad. But for now, I will simply enjoy the view and smile fondly at memories of a winter storm that happened not so long ago.
