I remember smoking cigarettes in college classes (all English majors and professors did), on airplanes, in theatres, even in the Vic Tanny Gym locker room.

I remember cars without seatbelts.

I remember loved ones walking you right to your airplane gate.

These times are gone and never coming back. I think we might be at another juncture like that.

Spontaneous trips and gatherings, easy airport experiences, assuming school will be held in person, and that you would be able to see your classmates’ faces.

Will we ever be able to go to India again?

At age 68, these questions do not seem unduly dramatic.

As somebody who forewent kids and grandkids for more unrestricted freedom to move around the planet, these new restrictions are not an insignificant development.

Then at the personal level, there’s my Achilles Tendonitis—will I ever run again, or play tennis, shoot hoops, cross-country ski?

Not sure, not sure. (I am still gunning for a yes, but, hey, try to jump up fast from a squat, man. Things ain’t the same…)

I don’t know where any of this is going, but I am still trying to focus not on what is being taken away, but on what is still being given. What CAN I still do? From my perspective, the cheese is all down that tunnel, and NOT down the “OMG, they are taking everything away!” victimy position.

“Nothing you want is upstream”, Abraham says.

I can swim in the ocean, I can fly a lot of places, I can go for walks, and I can make reservations most places.

 Hell, I can still smoke a cigar outside if I want.

It’s different. It’s not so bad…

Remember to focus on “What is still being given?” It will help…

james mick

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