What Price for Freedom!

We here in Melbourne, Victoria have just had our first taste of being unrestricted in a long, long time. We are curfew-free, can travel to country Victoria unrestricted, and can walk in the open air without wearing a face mask. Like so many others, I've had my first hair cut in months and a much appreciated manicure. The doctor has changed my medication and I've begun a new medically approved eating plan. There is hope again ! I'm feeling brand new- well almost-just how brand new can a 72 year-old can get? With a whole new outlook, I'll see how I manage between now and when Christmas Day dinner descends upon me.

In hindsight, for the average person the restrictions placed upon us were not all that horrendous. We were simply asked to wear a mask everywhere, to keep our distance from others and to get vaccinated. Given that vaccination saved the lives of two of my children, I have no quarrel with that. It was a different scenario of course for those running businesses, especially their own, those out of work and those who lost loved ones before a vaccine was available. I think what really got to most people was the length of time and the number of times we went into lockdown.

I was sitting outside in our warm spring sunshine reflecting on the past eighteen months when my mail arrived. In it was a letter from a long time friend that sadly, I haven't had much contact with since COVID began. As I read her letter and its sad news, I thought back on times when we, and the world were different. Before I had my very special man in my life.

I smiled for the memory of my precious man whom I have both laughed and cried with, have talked to and learned to value silence with, have both loved tenderly and been frightened with- he touches my heart like no other has.......

I cried for the loss of my long time friend- one who I have also laughed and cried with and shared some of Life's most harrowing moments ......I will miss him but I let him go because of all those things we both are and have been to each other.

Then I learned that over the weekend, the College where I worked for many years lost a little deaf girl who lit up everyone's heart. I guess I was feeling burnt by her flame as my mind turned to those who now wake up to gunfire and thank God- just for the very air they breathe.

Now I feel so very humble and in honesty, more than a little selfish. Freedom is such an easy word to use because it says so much in so very few words. However, it wasn't just our freedom to live, to work, to pray as we wish that touched me. It was my own personal freedom not to have to mourn over children I've loved and lost- that insurmountable grief that only a parent fears. Even my moment of sadness was a "happy sadness", grateful for what has been.

So I thank you all who have touched my life in so many ways for your very presence in it.

Stay safe and happy.