Like Thieves in the Night

It is week 65 of the biggest pandemic of our lives. Our province of Ontario, Canada is in its 3rd lockdown. We are not able to shop, golf, go to parks or buy anything that isn’t food. Canada has been slow to acquire the vaccines, so while a good percentage of the population that is my age, have had their first dose, only a handful have had a second dose. For that reason, it is unlawful to be outside with more than 5 people at a time.

Early sunday morning

My sister called me early one recent Sunday morning. Normally we talk on the weekends but later in the evening, so an early morning call was unusual.

“What are you doing?” She asked me in a low whisper like she didn’t want anyone else to hear. “Well,” I said, “I wasn’t doing much.”  She replied, “Come and visit with me on my new porch.”

I’d love to

My first thought was to politely say no, but I could not for the life of me find a reason to decline. It was like the clouds parted and the sun came out. I could hear the birds outside my front window, and I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. I looked at my husband, he shook his head, and the invite was accepted.

My homestead

I don’t normally leave my house; most everyone is comfortable coming to me. So going out on a Sunday morning with little notice was really shaking it up. I have become comfortably numb in my own isolated space for the last 14 months, forgetting what it took to get ready to go out. I had to go through the process of relearning what it took to get out of the door on time. Grooming tasks had to be done in a timely manner. I used to have a plan and now I had to dig deep into the recess of my brain, revive it, and put it into action.

My husband is my chauffeur and caregiver. He is responsible for getting himself dressed and groomed, getting my oxygen tanks and the car ready.

Freedom

The drive itself was delicious! Fresh air. It felt like the first taste of watermelon on a hot day. The feeling of the wind in my hair, the warm sunshine, and all it implied was wanting. I didn’t realize the effect of having been shut in for so long, nor did I realize how much I missed going out and inhaling fresh air.

Surprise

As we were pulling in to park the car, I looked over and there was my brother and sister-in-law. We were each surprised to see each other. It had been too long since we had been together. Leave it to my sister to make sure we all stay in touch.

Finally

The food, drinks, and conversation were amazing. When I finally looked at my watch, it was 5:45 and, holy smokes, this day had flown by. I didn’t even realize how much I had missed seeing family and friends. It has been a long haul for 65 weeks in isolation but thanks to medical science there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

We were like thieves in the night. We had more than 5 people in the same place and it was so worth it.

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Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.