“Never let the things you cannot do prevent you from doing the things you can.” -Coach John Wooden
Oh my goodness, the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel grows brighter by the day. I don’t know about you but Mikelle has visions of unlimited purse shopping at Target, endless coffee chats with her girls, and maybe even a fella or two. Mikelle’s team members cautiously hope for in-person learning on their college campus. My son Kasey and his wife, Allison cross their fingers and toes that their son, Jack, a senior has the opportunity to experience the time honor rituals of Senior Prom and Graduation Day even if is different than in years past.
Me, I long for a beach on a tropical island. At this date, I am fully vaccinated have my immunity but traveling abroad seems beyond my reach, at least until the fall. My next hope is to go salsa dancing at a local club with friends.
It is a bit maddening this March. The future is still so unsettled and I feel it is unlikely to find a reasonable rhythm for quite some time. It snows one day, rains another day, and is almost hot the next. The news cycle has softened its sharp peaks and valleys so at least we are not on a continuous bed of nails or walking on eggshells but the lack of unity in our nation is maddening. The good news, our state is functioning well for many people, but not all.
March madness is hitting me hard as I try to plan the future. I am a bit of a visionary. Mikelle, too. In the past, our vision focus on tangible, visible goals like a new van or a new podcast. Let’s advertise for this kind of person to hire, etc.
I can smell more change and uncertainty on the horizon. I speak with my friends and other family members, they sense it, too. The notion of getting back to normal is a false hope and offers up potential disappointment. No. These are new times for this already anxious generation. Pandemic. Social Media. Economic uncertainty. Jobs??? Who knows what the employment landscape will look like after the masks are gone?
I continue to care for Mikelle and me. We exercise, laugh, learn and enjoy the people in our lives, but vagueness clouds my vision like the morning fog. I only see outlines of our future. My concern as Mikelle and I hit the milestones of middle age and senior status is what is the model that works for both of us. What happens when Mom isn’t a primary support team member?
Our existing Supported Living Service is was built on a steady workforce of dedicated people, but turnover, vacancies leave people vulnerable both during the pandemic and afterward. Robotics have evolved enough to do personal care, yet.
The uncertainty of a well-intended system is maddening. I don’t like it when I don’t have a clear vision of the future.