Looking forward to the old normal

Today is the last day of 2020, a year we will remember as having deprived us of so many things. As we enter a new year, the start of the third decade of the 21st century, I look forward to returning to the old normal, especially now that the vaccines are being rolled out.

What have I missed most? As a senior citizen, I hanker for the freedom of movement, of not being overly cautious about observing the strictures of the new normal, and of sharing laughter without being masked when interacting with others face to face.

I look forward to the hugs of my grandchildren, and of hugging them. It’s hard to hold back during the rare times I see them, to go against the grain of social interaction with family, especially with children who tug at your heartstrings by simply smiling.

The new year could be a return to walking in the park without a mask, of breathing freely the clear morning air without impediments and worries, and of taking in the smells of foliage and early mist. Yes, I can’t wait to junk the treadmill for a paved sidewalk.

While online meetings have allowed us to continue business without endangering each other’s health, the level of productivity certainly can’t compare to the old ways. For many, work from home has even eaten up time for self and family.

I can’t wait for in-classroom learning to resume for our youth. Online classes are not the most efficient and effective means of acquiring knowledge, and definitely suffer from the learning experience that a school or university ecosystem provides.

The year 2020 has made us realize the value of many things we had taken for granted. This should make a return to the old normal life sweeter. We look forward to real breakfast meetings, lunch at restaurants, dinner drinks with friends; travel to the provinces, other cities and countries; and many more.

Definitely, 2021 could be a better year for you and me as we slowly wear down this virus and banish it for good. At no other time does my wish for a more prosperous New Year carry so much fervor. Cheers! as we anticipate better times.

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