Un-LEash

It's safe to say that the past year and few months have felt like some of the longest, at least in my lifetime. The pandemic raged, and we were forced to try and survive the best way we know how. But behind the scenes (so to speak), there were scientists working hard and fast. Some were studying the behaviour of the virus, others the impact on people, and others still, how to vaccinate the world. I admit that I was not very keen on being among the first to be vaccinated. And by that, I mean I would prefer to wait a few years when more is known about the virus and any long-term effects a vaccine may have. But the luxury of such a wait seemed too high a price. Waiting meant being more likely to be exposed, and unfortunately, there is no predicting whether I would be among the fortunate to recover. So I decided, even before a single drop landed on our shores, that I would take the vaccine. There was one condition though - I had to be sure that it was sufficiently safe. Many different ...

One thing that has been constant about the COVID-19 pandemic is loss. Many have died; some have lost senses (smell and taste); others, the ability to connect and touch loved ones. But one thing I have also learned is that it has taken away the ability to grieve as we have come accustomed to. In December last year, we got the shocking news that my uncle passed suddenly. He was about his business, picking up groceries. And then everything went downhill. He would never leave the hospital alive as he did numerous times before. We said our good-byes at his funeral just before the end of the year. And because of the pandemic, we had to watch virtually. Just a week later, not yet a full week into the New Year, two more relatives passed, each one day apart. Both were my granduncles; one my grandmother's brother, the other my grandfather's brother. One was overseas, one was right here at home. And both died very suddenly. It was after the 2nd death that I really felt heavy and the tears...

A year ago, I would not really need to think about how to greet friends and family. Some with hugs, some with kisses. A year ago, a handshake was expected when meeting someone for the first time or seeing a colleague. That was then... It still sometimes seem surreal when I look at just how much has happened in a year. Life as we've known it is, well, gone! And the way we greet each other has also suffered. Reverting to the past ways without knowing whether you or the other persons are free from the highly contagious COVID-19 is risky behaviour. Not only are you putting others at risk, but yourself as well by simply hugging or shaking hands. As a low-risk or risk averse person (all depending on the circumstances), I have been doing what I can to balance life while being safe. I wear my mask, and even spray it with alcohol from time to time. I keep my distance. I do the elbow bump or on occasion, the touching of the feet greeting. On occasion, I would do an air-hug or even blow a kis...

 There are times I feel unworthy of blessings, and a few days ago was one such day. I went to visit a family member in the Matt Mobile. On exiting the car, I saw one of her neighbours. In the past, he has asked for help financially and I assisted. I had in the back of my mind that once again, he may be asking for money. I did chat with him for a little, but then made my way to visit my family. On the way back down, he was now seated, and I suspect was waiting for my return. I hurriedly spoke with him again, wished him well, and was on my way.  I confess I sensed that he wanted to ask for help. But instead of seeking God for wisdom, I allowed fear to rule. I told myself I was hurrying to get back home before the rains pelted us again. Except that was not the real reason. I discovered how bad the need of the gentleman was when my family mentioned it to me later in the day. He went to them asking for food because he had nothing and often goes days without something to eat. What's...

October 22...The day I officially met Matt. How did it start? For 11.5 years, I had Libby. I got her at time when moving from place to place was important for my mental wellbeing. She got me from home to work and back, to church, to events in and out of town and more. She wasn’t always the smoothest ride, but she was there. She was known to many and became an identifier of my movement. Her brightness was hard to hide. But after those numerous years, her age started to show. In September, it was out of commission for more than half the month. She kept shutting off and the reason wasn't initially clear. Then after that, the radiator gave up the ghost...with a puff of smoke no less. It was during this time that I advanced plans to purchase a new vehicle. I no longer felt comfortable being on the road in Libby, more so as I end up driving by myself a lot. As hard as it was, changing the car became necessary. And in this season of change, I need to embrace this. It’s not easy beca...