I start the week thinking about the last year we have lived through. The news over the weekend was that we have now lost a half million people to the Coronavirus. 500,000 people.
It’s hard to think on those terms. The Washington Post tries to explain it visually by comparing how many people that is. It’s like losing the entire population of Atlanta. It really is a staggering number. A number that we could have never imagined a year ago.
A half million people. That’s more than the number of Americans killed in World War One, World War Two and Vietnam combined.
Finally though, there is belief that things are improving. Cases are declining. Hospitalizations are down. Vaccinations are gaining speed.
On a personal note, my mother-in-law got her second shot on Sunday. Everything went smoothly. I have to admit, though, I have a little bit of “vaccine envy” going on. So many people around me have received the vaccine. I can’t wait to get mine.
It looks like that will be happening sooner than later.
Dr. Fauci made the rounds on all the Sunday shows. He said he’s pleased at the rate of vaccinations. On Meet the Press, Dr. Fauci said he believes the vaccine delivery delays from last week’s bad weather will be quickly remedied.
“We can play pretty good catch up,” he said.
Dr. Fauci also says we could see significant normalcy by Fall. But he also says we could still be wearing masks a year from now.
Again, it’s hard to grasp that this was all starting just one year ago. So much has happened. So much still needs to be done. As for time, it either stands still or passes too quickly. I can’t tell anymore.
What’s getting us through? Our pets. The pet care company, Kinship Partners, says 71% of people they surveyed believe they would not have survived without their pets; 82% say they plan on spoiling their pet; 62% say their pet’s happiness is a top priority.
Let me say this. I agree on all of the above. My dogs Coco and Josephine got me through all of last year. I spoiled them before. I will continue to do so. And yes, their happiness is all I care about.
I’ve been trained very well. Such a good boy!