Just this week, our provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry released a timeline plan for the province of British Columbia to return back to relative normal. As more and more folks are getting their vaccine, herd immunity is becoming a reality. The excitement in the people I have talked to about this is like a shot in the arm of real hope for the future (pun intended).
What is most interesting, is what folks are telling me they are looking forward to the most and it is these simple pleasures that are giving me hope for mankind. It all boils down to human connection, both physically and energetically, through conversation and just experiencing close proximity to others. A hug, a hand shake, an animated conversation with friends, the ability to talk about your experience with one friend to another, to walk into a building with out a mask on – things that pre-pandemic, we would rarely even consider as luxuries of community life and yet today, we’ve come to place high value on.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, a self confessed hugger, has even suggested that once we are finally past the pandemic, we should celebrate with a national hug day. How amazing would that be, not to mention the positive and powerful endorphins that would be released out into the world by such a mass hugging.
I have to pause in my thoughts for a moment to talk about Dr. Bonnie Henry. This small unassuming woman is the epitome of what a modern crone should aspire to. Educated and a master in her field, she is a healer of the highest good but also compassionate, patient and vulnerable, with the heart of a warrior but not afraid to show real emotion. All packaged into the tiny frame of a woman with a penchant for stylish shoes. Her unique abilities insured that British Columbia weathered the pandemic as safely as was possible with a steady, nurturing hand at the helm. So much so that the world took notice, even the New York Times wrote about her here.
I mention her because Dr. Bonnie Henry is a shining example of how, even if we were individually forced to separate, isolate and lose the one thing we human beings crave the most – connection, we could still unite as a collective society in the cause to vanquish a greater foe without anger, incrimination or vengeance. In my books, the over arching results and success of her leadership during this crisis is a peek into the potential of human evolution and it took a wise, mature woman to show us the way. That’s real crone confidence.
With every syringe injected into the arm of a willing receiver, we come nearer to closing this dark chapter in modern history. How can that not bring you hope? Sure there are folks who vehemently appose vaccinations – that is their choice. Still it is those who are deciding to take the risk, perceived or not, and get vaccinated who will enable us all to move forward once again and return to our mundane, general lives. For that, I thank you.
Hope is a wondrous thing. It lightens the soul and lifts one’s spirits. We could all use a heavy dose of that. But what of the lessons learned during this world crisis? Do not discount them and brush them aside as you return to normal. Normal no longer exists. Instead, what I ask of you is to take a lesson from the actions, and the continual warrior cry of Dr. Bonnie Henry during this pandemic – be kind. Those two words are how a new, even better normal might evolve and eventually flourish.
There is light at the end of the tunnel folks. We are not there yet – but oh, so, close. The days are bright, the sun is warming and a page is turning in the great history book of mankind. And I for one can’t wait to hug you all.
There has been so much conflicting information regarding covid vaccines causing a distrust of big pharma, government and government officials that make decisions to be vaccinated difficult for many people. I was one of those people.
My husband, who has immune issues, decided to get the vaccine. I was a no because I believed not enough information was available about the vaccines and potential side effects. One day, several weeks after my husband received his second dose, I suddenly, out of the blue, felt a warmth and assurance and peaceful feeling and I knew what to do. It may sound strange and like woo woo stuff but I listened to whoever was with me in that moment and got my vaccine.
I believe it is each individual’s choice and whatever they decide is right for them must be respected. I still feel at peace about listening to whoever was with me. Sorry if this sounds weird and I do enjoy your posts.
I totally respect an individuals right to choose for themselves whether to get the vaccine or not. My only hope is that the decision was made from an informed perspective.
I remember lining up in elementary school waiting to get the smallpox vaccine. We had total faith that we were receiving a wonder drug that was for the good of all, and it was. I only mention that because it amazes me how society has become so distrusting of not just authority but science as well. But that’s a conversation for another time.
I live on an island with about 900 thousand people. We are at 72% of adults with at least one dose of vaccine. We are down to 1 reported Covid contraction a day here so something must be working.
On another note, you’ve read my posts,nothing is too woo woo for me. Don’t be afraid to let your inner woo out. 😁
I’m glad you listened to that inner “knowing” and got your shot but would still be thrilled to read your comments had you decided not too.
Thanks as always for your thoughtful perspective. ❤️
My reluctance regarding the vaccine was due to the newness and that the vaccines had not undergone the years of usual study and trial before getting approval. I have not always reacted well to new medicines so have always been careful. A couple of years ago my husband’s cardiologist prescribed a new injectable biological medicine to lower his LDL’s. The medicine worked but it affected his immune system and he became critically ill three times. I knew it was the medicine but it wasn’t until his third hospitalization, after reaching out to the FDA, that it was confirmed his symptoms were showing up in other individuals. It has taken 3 years for his immune system to return to 2/3’s of normal. To hear different medical and scientific experts offer such differing opinions was, to say the least, disconcerting for me.
I did research of my own, listened to my adult children who work in the medical field, and finally my inner voice. As my son told me, the vaccine doesn’t cure covid it greatly increases your chances of staying out of the hospital if you contract covid.
Unfortunately, I will admit I am not as trusting as I once was but as you say a conversation for another time.
I listened to my inner “knowing” because in the past every time I didn’t I had regretted not listening.
I can see why you were apprehensive to get the vaccine. I agree with your sons take on it not being a cure.
I, like you have come to rely on my intuition, or inner voice and a few voice that have popped out of no where as well. I have learned to not doubt those messages. That is one of the lessons of being a crone.
We are certainly living in trying times and it is my belief that talking about our fears, distrust, and inner voices is the only way to see us through to better times. And I have firm belief that there will better times. ❤️