And that’s a wrap

I guess we could all say “what the hell was that year about”? COVID-19 became a new word that translated the same around the world – wear a face mask, wash your hands, don’t touch your face (unless you’ve washed your hands), social distance (stay 2 meters/6 ft apart) and stay within your own “bubble” and wash your hands again. These things didn’t happen over night, it was a process as the scientist and those knowing, followed and learned about this virus. Now as 2020 comes to an end, we are seeing vaccines come onto the horizon and a reality for any to get immunized. mRNA is the new buzz word in the vaccine world. Will you get the vaccine, will you not? Ultimately the choice will be yours.

People have adjusted and learned to do things differently. ZOOM and applications like that became the new reality for face to face meetings, doctor visits, and get togethers. I even attended a day long conference via an online application and it was great. People have learned how to smile with their eyes when half their face is covered by a mask. You realize how important human touch is and those hugz that are now so limited to your “bubble” people are that much more special. The act of wrapping your arms around a friend as you greet them is currently on hold and greatly missed if you are a hugger like me.

We all shared losses, sadness and worry throughout this although mine was likely very different from yours. We all experience COVID fears, anxiety, lack of connections with friends and family, some had job loss, some had to adjust to their jobs now working from a newly created home office spcae, while others like myself find their job has morphed into something stressful, filled with unknowns and questions with constantly changing guidelines/protocols. The risks, stress, & anxiety are now greater, things seem harder and more emotionally charged when you are trying your very hardest to provide the best end of life care that you can.

WHO named 2020 “The Year of the Nurse and Midwife”, they couldn’t have picked a better year that brings a light to healthcare and essential workers. No one could have predicted what 2020 and COVID-19 would turn into. Here in BC Dr. Bonnie Henry has been leading the way with updates, provincial health rules, guidelines, strong suggestions to help us. There are others who balk at these things. It certainly wasn’t the job she anticipated when she became the provincial health officer. During this entire time she has been saying ” Be Kind, Be calm, Be safe” and we try or most of us do. We know that a kind word or gentle nod can make a difference.

Personally, looking back, we didn’t have any personal losses/death in our immediate family. The cancer surgeries & chemos are complete, with clear outcomes thus far. We have a loving & healthy family both near and far, our kids and grandsons are safe and healthy, a roof over our heads, feathered and furbabies with us, friends to connect with even if socially distanced. Our middle daughter purchased their first home during all this which was very exciting. We are both still working, one of us from home. I got a permanent part time position where I am honoured to work as a palliative care nurse. My work family is an extension of my family. We all have a new appreciation for spending time together, both at work and home and how taking 5 minutes to touch base and say hello, I’m thinking of you, can mean a lot to someone. Wearing a mask isn’t the worst thing that could have happened in 2020. Our family is blessed in many ways and for that I am thankful.

So for 2021 – bring it! We made it through 2020, there is a vaccine soon to be available to many and the sun will come up tomorrow. And as Dr. Henry says, “Be Kind, Be calm, Be safe”

“A new year brings not only happiness, it makes us happy with a hope to fulfill our dreamz or a new beginning of our life. So, a new year is very special to everyone.” ~ Santonu Kumar Dhar

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