People excited to see light at the end of the tunnel
As we move closer to all Americans having COVID vaccine availability, Miami Valley residents shared what they’re looking forward to, post-pandemic.
Abram DaSilva, hydrologist, National Weather Service: Living far from family was hard enough before COVID-19, and my wife, our daughter, and I cherished every opportunity to spend time with our out-of-state families whenever the chance arose. Not being able to see our loved ones for more than a year has definitely been a challenge; it’s been tough to watch our 6-year-old work to understand the situation and to know that so much time has gone by without her making memories of playing with her cousins or of baking cookies with grandparents.
The birth of our son last month has only underscored how important our family-members are in our lives. Now, with the end of the pandemic in sight, we are so excited to spend time with family again — we can’t wait to give hugs, laugh together, and really show our son the kind of family he gets to join.
The Rev. Dr. Celeste Didlick-Davis, Miami University: Something that I am looking forward to is being able to interact & hug people, especially my seniors. I have been fortunate enough to engage in a senior ministry in our community. It is based at my church but it includes seniors in the Middletown Community,
I have the privilege of taking them to plays and outings as well as just fellowshipping with them. I get to drive and pamper them as well as giving many of them socializing & cultural opportunities they would not have otherwise. This is one of the simple things I miss, getting to go out for a meal, checking out a movie or concert, or going to a museum. It is wonderful seeing many of the activities through their eyes.
Justin Cost, musician/producer: I’m looking forward to eating out, going to festivals and playing music again, but more than anything being around other people to collaborate with, record with, and share experiences with. Going over to a family member’s house is becoming a distant memory, but with vaccinations increasing and cases decreasing, I think we will have the outcome we have been looking for by the middle to end of the year. My musician friends in Dayton all can’t wait for the bars to be packed again and live music going strong. I’ve spoken to several people who already have gigs lined up. My family is looking forward to going on vacation. We all love the beach and try to go at least once a year.
Jerry A. O’Ryan, respiratory therapist: What people will be looking forward to once this COVID thing is truly over? The song “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music comes to mind.
Evenings at the Fraze with cold beer and wine;
Preceded with Marion’s Pizza, even if there’s a long line;
Meeting up with friends totally maskless, no social distancing makes it taskless;
After the show on to Bill’s Donuts, feeling like it’s your town again and you own it.
Real life shopping, not always online, makes my wife happy and feeling so fine.
When the COVID’s gone and we’re all good, there’ll be a celebration in my neighborhood!
Have an idea? Contact interim Ideas and Voices editor Ray Marcano @ raymarcanoddn@gmail.com