Post-Covid travel was not something I was sure we would be doing. But, Scott and I ventured away from our Covid-Castle last week, for the first time in over a year. It was far easier than I thought it would be a couple of months ago. I continued to be surprised by how quickly we’ve slipped back into the freedom of movement we once took for granted. While we felt little fear, we continue to carry and use masks whenever out in public. The rules are different in each establishment we entered, but most still require masks.
This was not a major trip, just the very familiar three hour drive to Charlottesville to visit my sisters. I’ve made the drive so many times over the years. It’s a drive that always seems to provide healing; an opportunity to renew my connection with myself, mourn my mother’s passing, or just quieting my mind and experience the beauty of the mid-Atlantic country side. I never tire of watching the corn fields dotted with old tobacco barns fall away and the elegant Blue Ridge Mountains rise up on the horizon.
TRIAL RUN
In my mind, this trip was a trial run to see how hubby (and I) would fare as we learn to manage his increasing physical limitations. Traveling the country was at the top of our bucket list pre-pandemic, pre-IBM, and we’ve silently wondered as the year whittled away at his strength, whether any version of our dream would still be possible post-pandemic.
The changes that took place the last twelve plus months began to emerge almost immediately, as I began moving luggage, packing the car and making room for his extra items: a pillow for chairs, a portable bench. He still enjoys driving, although he tires quickly and in an effort to maximize his energy much of it falls to me. Fortunately, I don’t mind driving, but I do prefer to keep it in the 3 to 4 hour range.
ALTERNATIVE LODGING
My sister’s homes, where we’ve stayed in the past, have significant staircases and no first floor bedrooms, so we booked a handicap room in a local hotel. Besides easy access and a no-tub shower, it gave us a place to escape to when fatigue set in. We all appreciated the little extra breathing room to process this full on visit after a year of solitude. It was perfect.
The visit was amazing, just two nights and three days, the perfect length. I am blessed with loving, caring sisters and two brother-in-laws who showed up big time for Scott, something men (in my experience) are typically not very good at doing! I truly think the year of isolation was good for all of us. It gave us the opportunity to evaluate ourselves and our lives and realign our priorities. I think it also enhanced our appreciation of the many gifts we have, whether health, wealth, or something less tangible. Sharing and caring was much easier, much less cluttered by preconceived notions, past conflicts, or expectations. Aging helps with this too I suspect.
POST-COVID DINING
Each evening the six of us gathered for dinner. The first night we met on the down town mall, where I happily found handicap parking within easy walking distance of the restaurant. (A major benefit of the handicap parking tag we carry everywhere with us!) Dinning outside in a group was part of post-Covid travel I was most looking forward to.It was a perfect night for outdoor dinning. Many shops and restaurants have sadly closed due to the financial hardship brought on by Covid. The plaza was still bustling with people, very interesting people! There were moments when I felt like I was at the circus! Enjoyed every minute.
The second night we celebrated my next older sister’s birthday with a home cooked meal. In IMHO it was far superior to the high priced restaurant meal we had the night before! My B-I-L is a good cook! He must have learned to pour all his cranky perfectionism into a new creative endeavor! (Haven’t we all.)
FACING THE FUTURE TOGETHER
The trip was a success in ways I would never have expected. While there are still personal struggles in all of our lives, it was very clear to me at least, that we are all willing and able to show up for each other in new ways, and to the best of our individual abilities we are facing the challenges of aging together. It’s taken nearly seventy years, but I feel like I have the family I always wanted, and it’s my own.
Scott and I have begun talking about our next adventure. We are even trying to figure out how to camp! Cutting costs as we travel will be important. But it’s time, as time is of the essence when it comes to IBM. Our window of opportunity is short.
Life after Covid has begun in earnest for us. Has it for you?
This sounds like a great trip.
The change of scenery was welcomed with open arms!
I admire your “spunk” and courage and determination. Please keep us posted when you decide to travel again.
Thanks, Lana. We were supposed to take another trip at the end of the month, but we are talking about postponing it. There’s more “recovery” time required than there used to be, for all of us from what I hear.
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed your outing and have more travel plans. Great, Dorothy!
Life is a changing landscape, isn’t it! Always happy to see you here, Marian. I may get your book review written yet! Will keep you posted.