It’s week 6 of my social isolation during the pandemic. For some it has been longer. Some didn’t make it this far.

I have been reading some predictions on how the world will, or will not, return to normal – of what should change – or what will change – or what will stay the same.

Of course, normal is what normal does (with apologies to Forrest Gump). It is not an absolute. We can wish and hope and even pray for the return to normal but we wouldn’t even agree on what that should be. Too many people have been wishing that the world would return to simpler times – before vaccinations for example. Many people are dreaming of a world in which they can have everything they want – every minute of every day. Some confuse this with a right. Some confuse it with liberty.

I’m surprised to discover what I miss. Mostly, I miss looking forward. Right now, I can’t say to myself – I will visit my sons and grand-boys soon – I will enjoy the cottage this summer – I will go to lunch with my friends. For me, it is not missing the activities that hurts. I miss looking forward.

But today, in northern Ontario, the sun is shining. The snow is melting (again). The weather is promising a better week-end. So, I will look forward to that. For now, that’s enough.