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Describe an experience this week that made you happy.
We took my son to an aquarium this week and it was so nice to have an outing to enjoy together. After so long with everything closed, restricted, or too risky, I have so much gratitude for these times when we get to go out and feel normal again. It was also a happy day because my son, who is quite cautious and tends to withdraw from uncomfortable or risky-seeming things, did something that for him was very brave. We were at the touch tank and we kept showing him how fun and safe it was to touch the rays. The aquarium staff explained that they have no teeth and their stingers are removed. But he wouldn't do it, not even once. However, about 45 minutes later, he asked to go back to the touch tank. He put his hands in the water, touched many of the rays, and even fed them a few fish. He was really excited, and I was so proud of him for getting up the courage to go back and try. We had seen some regression in him with the isolation of the past year, but this was a hopeful moment of progress and growth!
July 30, 2021
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
I am so relieved to be vaccinated! In the past week, I've started returning to things I used to do before the pandemic. The grocery store doesn't make me uncomfortable and I've even been able to meet up with friends for outdoor meals at restaurants! COVID cases in my area are down and vaccinations are up, but I hope our local rules don't ditch the mask mandates in response to the new CDC guidelines. If anyone who is vaccinated doesn't need a mask inside or out, I think there are unvaccinated people who will also proceed unmasked. I just don't trust everyone to be honest about it, because I think many people who don't want to get vaccinated also have a problem with masks. I feel like it makes my community less safe overall, and I worry a little about my own family just as I was feeling good about being back in the world. Whatever the policies, I will not be ditching my mask anytime soon.
May 15, 2021