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Heartwings Love Notes 955 - Freedom to Be Free

Heartwings says: "We may have to do without to know what we are missing."

Remember when you hugged people when you met them or they departed? How normal it was to shake hands? The freedom to be spontaneous with others has disappeared from our lives. I miss it, especially the hugs. Smiles, too I miss. Behind a mask smiles are hidden, and I like to see smiles. To be sure this is all temporary, and one day these restraints will be gone, if not forgotten. I cling to that when I feel the loss of my freedom to act the way I always have.

It never occurred to me that these behaviors I miss could go away. I never dreamed of this "new normal," nor expected to encounter it. Most likely not many have. The last pandemic was over a hundred years ago, so there is not likely to be anyone who would have a memory of it unless they were more than a hundred and five or more. I didn't realize that was what killed my grandfather. I'd only heard he took ill and died during WWI in France in 1918, not what he died from.

I miss the freedom to go shopping just for the fun of it, or to stroll through Marshals or Ocean State Lot to see what's on sale. It never seemed to be anything special to do; it was just a normal part of life. So was going to the library or he senior center. Of course, compared to some countries in the Middle East or other places where people are fleeing violence and terror, the USA is far better off. I still have the freedom to walk the streets, drive my car wherever I wish to, or order takeout from a restaurant. That freedom is not universal worldwide and cannot be taken for granted, either. This is something I try to remember when I am tempted to complain.

Freedom to do as I wish is something I cherish. I hope that wherever I go or whatever I do when I regain it, I will remember what I it was like to do without that privilege. I hope too that when I hug a friend or shake the hand of a stranger that I will do it mindfully, remembering what it was like when Covid 19 permitted me only to give "air" hugs or bump elbows. No one knows when that will be. We all hope it will be soon.

May you appreciate your freedom when it returns."

PS What do you miss most? My heart goes out to those who live alone and have no visitors. Write and tell me how it is for you. I cherish your emails. You can reach me at tashahal@gmail.com or tashahal@aol.com. For more Love Notes, please visit my web site at www.heartwingsandfriends.com
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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