A Lost Year

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Robert Eck

Recently, we passed the one year anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown — one year, 12 months, 365 days experiencing a sheltered, cautious, and isolated time. Commuting to work stopped, except for those in necessary jobs. Many people were furloughed or laid off, while the lucky ones could remain on a payroll by working from home and attending virtual meetings on Zoom. Restaurants, bars and gyms closed. Loved ones who died were interred without wake or ceremony, omitting an important part of saying goodbye. Those of us with grandchildren missed a year in their young lives, foregoing hugs and kisses, as well as recreational activities and games. Though life continued, its normal flow stopped, leaving a large unwelcome void.

Children suffered the most, not from the virus, but by missing in-person school, thus requiring virtual lessons and parental tutoring along the way. Many public schools never opened, while other reduced to a week-on, week-off, or day-on, day-off practice, cutting class time in half. The long lasting effects of such disruption in their young lives will be studied and measured for years thereafter.

As the country begins to reopen, some states and towns are reducing restrictions faster than others. No one knows for sure what the best course should be, balancing a virus breakout against a measured reopening. Most people in the high risk area — people over age 65 have been vaccinated to obtain some immunity, but the authorities do not know for how long or for what strains the vaccine protects.

Despite the gloom, the year seemed to pass quickly, with a week going from Monday to Friday in a blink of an eye, with a year blinking through history, without the usual joy or engagement along the way. One year out of our remaining years looms much larger for those over 70, than for someone in their 20’s or 30’s, as the latter can look forward to many more years of life.

Reading newspapers more fully became the norm, as well as solving the crossword, cypher, sudoku and other challenges to fill the morning. Rereading old favorite novels rekindled the spirit of an earlier time. Getting rid of clutter became a useful exercise — providing time to do a necessary task which most folks avoid in busier times.

Since trips to the gym stopped, stretching and yoga exercises became fashionable, together with a daily walk, short and slow at first, gradually increasing in distance and pace, until a former uninteresting activity became necessary to keep reasonably fit and stress free. Some studies have shown that a brisk daily walk can add five to seven years on a life span. (See my Post: “A Walk a Day,” October 19, 2020.)

Over the pandemic year, I have changed most of my habits for the better, and kept busy for most of the time. Some might call that result a blessing. Maybe so, but I still long for my former life style, engaging with friends, dining in restaurants, and living life as I wish, and not as I must.

I trust that the worst is behind us, and every day will comprise a step forward in our ultimate return to normal living.