As I write this, my home state has been under some form of restricted activity since March 13th, 2020. The first activities to go were gatherings at bars and restaurants, nixing my St. Patrick’s Day trivia night at my favorite pub. Having a little Irish, it was a set-back, but I hoped it would return to normal soon. I was a little naive, looking back I guess.

On March 20, 2020, a general “stay-at-home” order was issued by our governor. Many states also did the same. It is one of the only times in history where non-sick people have been quarantined, and not just the ill. That’s quite a departure from most past precedents, and it has been a shock to the country. The number of folks who have fallen ill or succumbed to the coronavirus have been less than predicted, thank goodness, but still quite tragic. The unemployment numbers have been Depression-era staggering also, and the financial and family losses for many have been nearly unbearable.

I am hopeful that things will soon turn. For two weeks straight now, the total number of new Covid-19 cases and tallied fatalities will not double. That’s a hopeful sign, but the numbers are still quite significant bringing continued tragedy to many families.

All of the favorite activities that I usually looked forward to in order to bring me out of the winter doldrums has now been stopped cold in their tracks. No fishing at my local lake, no Spring turkey hunt, and, most difficult of all, no kayaking with my son at our local lake.

My son is a grown man, now, and introduced me to kayaking after he bought his first expedition kayak a few years back. We have had many adventures since, including an Iowa tornado, flooding, a campground washout, and a fantastic three-day trek along the bayous of the Mississippi.

At the local lake, in past Springs, we have spent hours looking at the sunset, circumnavigating the perimeter watching the wildlife, and often just ghosting to a slow troll in the middle of the lake after dark to watch the night sky.

It has been our time to connect, and enjoy a common bond that we can share. Since we are of different generations, finding that area of commonality to discuss the world, our lives, and often nothing in particular, has been wonderful. It has been a hard Spring not having that time together this year.

If a delay in my kayaking is my biggest worry, though, I have had it better than most this Spring. Nevertheless, it will be great to have that time back with my son, soon.

Here’s to looking for the end of this most unusual and tragic of Springs in recent memory, and a speedy and healthy return to normal for everyone.

copyright 2020 by D.James Clark – all rights reserved.