You know how when you learn a new word, suddenly you see it in print everywhere? Was it there all along and you’d just ignored it, you wonder?

Lately I’ve been feeling that way about the great unmasking of what I am calling the Lull-in-Pandemic-Spring-of-2022. I’ve been to several outdoor party events in the past three weeks (vaccinations required to enter but, masks have been optional) and everyone I encounter seems like someone I’ve met before, or am supposed to recognize.

Did we used to work together? Do I know you? Why do you look so familiar?

No, these are just the faces of the people in my neighborhood, and we’ve been isolated from one another for exactly two years. Yet, still connected by this very tangible thread of sharing the same human experience; going through a pandemic together, here and now.

It feels good, but a bit scary to be out and about, striking up conversations with strangers. Actually shaking hands, even unmasked hugging in some cases.

I pray I stay healthy. I pray we all do.