When We Find Ourselves in a Strange New World

 

We are emerging from the cocoon of our "bubbles" and the insular world we inhabited during these past 14 months. We are on a journey of transformation as we find our wings and freedom in this strange new world where science guides us about the risks of different behaviors based on the trends of the COVID-19 virus.

After approximately 10 to 14 days as a chrysalis, the butterfly is ready to emerge. When the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, its wings are small and wet, and the butterfly cannot yet fly. The butterfly must pump fluids from its abdomen through the veins in its wings, which causes the wings to expand to their full size. Next, the wings must dry and the butterfly must exercise flight muscles before it can fly. ~from Butterfly School

The time of transition from lock down to quarantine to easing of restrictions albeit with a lot of precautions and fear still running rampant to this time of decreased infections, deaths and hospitalizations with increased vaccination rates feels like the butterfly's wet wing phase of transformation. 

Yesterday we 'celebrated' Mother's Day by going to Gillette Stadium for our daughter Ruth Anne to receive her 2nd vaccine.

In years past we would go to Cape Cod for a day trip and eat out at one of our favorite Falmouth restaurants. We took a selfie to document we are all vaccinated wearing double masks:

and of the giant screen at Gillette that indicated the number of vaccines administered to date at Gillette:

We ate outdoors at a restaurant for the first time in 14 months! There were strange new rituals such as no menus but a code to put in the phone to access the menu. Our waiter and all the staff wore masks, and patrons wore masks except while eating or drinking.  Silverware was wrapped in a linen napkin and the waiter was careful to keep them wrapped as he placed them on the table. There were no salt and pepper shakers or ketchup bottles. A small plastic container of ketchup with a lid was served with our meal. Since it was our first time dining out at a restaurant in 14 months, Tom took a photo to mark the occasion:

The CBS Sporting Club restaurant, previously known as CBS Scene was our go to place before the annual July 4th celebration Finish at the 50 race. We were struck by how strangely quiet it was for a beautiful Spring Mother's Day in May and the usual excitement and hype for summer concerts, upcoming New England Revolution games and the Finish at the 50 race were strangely absent. The steady stream of cars were headed to the East and West vaccination clinics.

During this morning's meditation, I reflected on the strange new world I encountered after June 5, 1959, the day I contracted paralytic polio. One of the many many silver linings of this pandemic is that I have been able to more deeply heal the wounds from having contracted paralytic polio despite having had 5 vaccines. It seems that there is such a thing as "breakthrough cases" of COVID in people who have been vaccinated though it is extremely rare. That might be an explanation for how I contracted polio as I was playing with my best friend whose mom was not vaccinated and we contracted it on the same day. As I lay paralyzed on the couch time stood still for me. My friends finished kindergarten year and had a graduation ceremony. When I returned to 1st grade, I returned to a strange new world wearing an ankle to hip leg brace and using crutches for mobility. My beautiful long hair was cut into a pixie cut because my mother and grandmother felt it was too much for them to have to take care of my long hair on top of the other demands for providing care for me. I was a stranger to myself from the lithe ballerina who was active and joyful to one who struggled with each step. 

I honed my intellectual prowess and graduated as high school valedictorian. After receiving my MSW from Boston College, I had an award winning social work career at the VA until my world came to a screeching halt after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. 

I entered a strange new world of rehabilitation and prognostications of what life would look like for me as I aged, and decided that it was time to get still and ask for Divine Guidance. What an incredible journey of transformation I experienced through the sport of running becoming a 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, poet, published author and motivational speaker.

It can be overwhelming and frightening when we find ourselves in a strange new world. We are making the transition from wearing face masks whenever we were out in public to being able to do outdoor activities mask-free.  We are making plans for the first time in 14 months. Tom and Ruth Anne gave me tickets to Jagged Little Pill for the October 24th matinee for my Mother's Day present:

We decided to drive to New York rather than take the train despite being fully vaccinated so we can enjoy the ride without masks. We will need to present proof of vaccination and I imagine that New York City will have a different post-pandemic vibe.

There is discomfort in experiencing the strangeness of our times. But it is also an extraordinary opportunity for growth and transformation and to experience a deeper and richer appreciation for life.

We find ourselves in a strange new world awakened to the preciousness and fragility of life, our vulnerability, the need for social change and justice and to change our habits if we are going to preserve our precious Mother Earth. We find ourselves in a strange new world filled with hope, resilience, infinite possibilities and opportunities for creation and innovation.

 When we find ourselves in a strange new world always remember to:

Keep the Faith from "Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic":

 

When challenges arise

keep the faith

close to your open heart

be grateful.

 

See blessings

on horizon wonderful happenings

waiting for you.

 

See signs

as angels guide

guardians of your Well-Being

always by your side

believing is seeing

joy in journeying

navigating turbulent waters

powerful oars to negotiate rapids

deliciousness in Oneness

strength of Source deep within.

 

Feel the rush

ride the waves

heart pounding

keep the faith

safely arriving on shore.

Here's to embracing the strangeness of our times and finding ourselves uplifted and inspired when we come out on the other side.

 From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.