COVID-19 — The Mark of Joy

Aug 29

Aug 29 COVID-19

It's been 7 months since I've been on an airplane. Since March, I've cancelled 3 trips and had to "unplan" countless others. I know I'm not alone when I say how stuck I feel due to the travel restrictions that COVID-19 has caused for the world.

We all have things that we miss- restaurants, concerts, parties, etc. We miss the extra parts of life. I miss life's extras, and I miss my travel- seeing new places, meeting new people, having an adventure. And we all miss the simple things- a safe trip to target, a day at the playground with kids, visiting with older relatives. Sure I miss the exotic destinations, but I really miss the most straightforward kinds of travel- The part where I get to be with people I already know who just happen to live far from me. I miss being able to attend an important event or comfort someone in need.

Because of COVID, I'm not able to fly somewhere I really need to be right now. To be with people who are hurting and who deserve to be supported and loved during a hard time. To book a flight and rental car is simple, but to avoid the risk of the many public places I'd be throughout the journey is not something I can risk right now.

I certainly never took travel for granted, but now more than ever I am grateful for the way that travel allows people to come together. Whether strangers or close family, being able to physically be together in a place to share experiences and stories is priceless.

In time, I will begin collecting passport stamps again and I will pay visits to the people I miss most around the country. Until then, it's texts, calls and care packages to help close the gap between me and loved ones. Even though it may not feel like it, we will all be back to enjoying life's extras soon enough.