Too many realities have set in. Countless events cancelled, no social activities, who knew when the next time we could enjoy a dinner out with friends or go to the theater. My typical level of optimism and positive energy was beginning to dim. I could feel it.
May arrived and we were informed that we would not be going back to my office before July. Our Governor was on the television daily with new updates to share. Pennsylvania created a Red, Yellow, Green status for the State and each of our counties. We had been in RED for nearly two months and awaited Yellow status with the anticipation of a child at Christmas.
As long as we were "red" there would only be access to grocery stores and essential businesses. Fortunately for me, bakeries were considered essential businesses, and that included our very favorite, Pennsylvania Bakery in Camp Hill. Saturday mornings have included a stop for a pastry and coffee before running errands to the grocery store and maybe a stop at Home Depot while trying to convince ourselves that this all feels "normal".
I have become very accustomed to Zoom meetings and while it has been impractical to dress up from head-to-toe, I have kept my commitment to dress from waist up, while, of course, coordinating my lounge pants and socks to match my top. Hair and make-up, yes, its a must. And with my Aveda salon closed since March, I have resorted to Dominique Sachse YouTube videos on styling, blow outs and the best lighting for Zoom meetings. I am, after all representing my organization, virus or no virus, it is part of my bougie DNA to bring some sparkle to the meeting.
Fridays have become my favorite day because it is Family Zoom Night. We have been alternating hosts for the call. Each week the host brings the game or activity we will play. All of us have hosted a Scavenger Hunt. These included odd things one would find around the house. The games are fun but the best part is when the game is over and we all sit there and catch up on the past week, the latest TV shows everyone is binging or a movie someone watched. I just enjoy listening and seeing my family. The one-hour calls often last 3 hours. I never would have guessed that everyone would have so much to share and they all look forward to jumping on the call each week. It is the single thing about this wretched virus that I know would not have happened before COVID and it is some of the best times I've had while we have been cooped up at home.
On May 22nd, York County went YELLOW. I was so excited to have a little more freedom to get out and about. While restaurants were still take-out only, it felt like we were coming out of the dark a little bit. On the positive side, the liquor stores would open back up. That was a good thing because I had run out of Baileys Irish Cream and this had become my weekend coffee creamer replacement.
May was tough for graduates. Thousands of high school and college students finished their semester via chatrooms and Zoom classes. Many accepted that there would be no Senior Prom, commencement exercises or parties to look back on with friends. This milestone would be shrouded in history by the deaths of over 100K in the US alone and the closure of hundreds of businesses.
The end of the month brought the wedding of my son Connor and his bride, Delaney. While the CDC warnings discouraged air travel to certain parts of the nation, OKC was reporting minimal COVID cases and we felt like the risk was low. We would fly in, attend the ceremony and get back home... that is exactly what we did.
The wedding was held at the Oklahoma City courthouse before a Justice of the Peace. Ten minutes later we were driving to the Wichita Mountains where a few friends joined the family and our newly married couple as they exchanged personal vows they had written to one another. We stood outside under the shadow of the Oklahoma mountains and watched two people, totally in love with one another, help us all to forget what was happening in the world around us.
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