April. A month of spring flowers breaking through winter-dried grass, pink and white trees lifting blossom-laden arms to the sun, new life renewing the tired world…short sleeves, sandals, children’s happy voices bubbling from newly occupied playgrounds…”Is covid over yet?”

Inoculations continue, more and more individuals rub sore shoulders happily and look toward an upbeat future…schools open their doors for at least part of a day, part of a week, though arguments eddy back and forth about classroom safety…the CDC proclaims that the lucky ones, the inoculated, can travel—though they tell us not to do so! Some restaurants offer outside dining, though days are still cool, perhaps too cool for enjoyment…other establishments throw open their doors to happy unmasked crowds who deny danger and delight in fellowship and flirting, while covid numbers ominously rise…”Is it over yet?”

Eager, so eager, to be with family and friends after months of separation, we read confusing rules: The inoculated can enjoy those still not protected, if groups are small, only a few households are together, if masks are worn and social distancing is still practiced—or not! Rules are edited daily, and vary according to their sources…”Is it over yet?”

Articles are written about older adults flocking aboard planes and trains to visit far-flung family, or enjoy a much-earned respite in distant locales. Protected by their new best friends, Pfizer or Moderna or Johnson and Johnson, seniors eagerly search for “normal” life once again—and make reservations. But new information clouds the picture—variants proliferate, and cause concern…J&J can cause clots, though rare, and is pulled back from the rollout-- though some medical experts check the data and still recommend its use. We are told that research is ongoing in terms of length of protection; Pfizer suggests booster shots after twelve months. At what point, what month, do we again begin to worry? What percentages do we believe in? Are we 95% safe? 90%? And what does “safe” mean? When does protection weaken, or quietly wink out? We hear of past covid victims getting reinfected, of the inoculated again getting sick. A bit under the weather? Dangerously ill?

At what point do we truly become safe? At what point can we breathe freely without our ubiquitous masks, kiss family members, hug our friends, enjoy good meals without concern, travel, LIVE without the worry, always in the shadows this past year, of—covid! Please, please, tell me…..”Is it over yet?”

My piece stands alone, with no further explanation or definition. I only thought to vent my frustration at our ongoing covid experience.

In regard to my bio that reflects my writing background, I was a staff feature writer for Pioneer Press long ago, and had other pieces published in Chicago’s dailies, then served as Director of Marketing for Kendall College in Evanston. Later I was Dir. Communications for Evanston’s School District 65, then was employed at State National Bank in our city as Marketing Officer. I ended my career as Dir. Communications for The Mather Foundation.