Over the last few weeks I’ve driven across this great country of ours (spoiler alert, I’ll be doing a post on my adventure soon). I’ve spent several nights in hotels and at campgrounds. I’ve visited two national parks (two more off my list!). I’ve been out to eat meals with friends and family. I’ve had lunch with customers. I’ve attended the county fair, where I worked a display and demonstration booth with my amateur radio club. I attended church in person, and the first live music concert I’ve been to since the pandemic began.

I’m sure some will ask if I’m afraid of getting the Delta variant. If I’m afraid of spreading it. If I’m just afraid. What if there’s another mask mandate, or they start requiring a vaccine passport? What if? It seems so many of my friends are spending more time and energy questioning motives, deriding those they don’t agree with, and generally adding to the anxiety rather than just getting on with life. Too much of what’s being said and done with regards to Covid-19 is being driven by fear.

Well, I’m not afraid. Concerned? Prepared? Thoughtful? Am I learning? Paying attention? Of course. But afraid, no. Covid has (re)taught me one thing. We’re all going to leave this earth. This last Sunday I met two babies born in the shadow of the pandemic. They are beautiful and amazing. Life goes on. We’ve lost some people in this 18 months or so. I lost my father (not to Covid). This has been a dark season. But it’s over. Sure the Delta variant, and a parade of others will be trotted out in the news. There will be controversy. Because controversy drives ratings and fear sells. But I’m not buying. There’s a smile on my face in this picture (really!). I’m with my lovely lady. And we’re doing something…. normal.