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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.

A few nights ago, my husband and I went to a light show in a nearby park. I think we were the only ones walking around without little kids in tow! But still it was nice to do a "normal" activity that hasn't been changed or modified due to the pandemic. Yes, many people, including all the young children, wore masks (we live in a highly compliant region) but other that it was simply laughter and smiles and enjoyment. Once again, peoples' plans are being turned upside down by nervousness and anxiety around covid. Everyone and I mean everyone has one or more friends, family member, colleague or neighbor with a break through case of covid. And we are all triple vaxxed, mask-wearing folks! Fortunately, I have not heard of anyone with a serious illness... cases range from barely symptomatic to flu-like and in bed for a few days. But no hospitalizations. So far my immediate family has escaped...but it is beginning to feel like it is a matter of "when" one of us will contract covid, not "if." I just have to hope it will be mild as so many of these cases are now. I've actually been enjoying this very quiet week, catching up on things around the house. We don't celebrate Christmas and we got to celebrate Hanukah with extended family several weeks ago before Omicron arrived in full force bringing a halt to so many plans. I'm grateful that both my kids are away from their NYC homes this week and enjoying warmer weather and outdoor activities in Florida. Given how loose FL is about masks, I'm surprised to find myself saying this... but they can enjoy themselves more there now than in NYC. My 88 year old father is a bit down in the dumps about Omicron's spread. He has cancelled several "social" plans and that is hard for him. He doesn't ask my advice and I don't give it... he is a cautious person by nature and a worrier. We both know that although he is good health overall, his age alone makes him more likely to get a severe case, should he catch it. So, he prefers to be cautious and not go to a New Year's Eve party. I may be mistaken but I am hopeful that in a few weeks, the worse of this Omicron variant will be behind us. That is what the news from South Africa seems to indicate. It is a fast moving variant. And hopefully, nothing worse will take its place. Maybe, just maybe, 2022 will be the start to the end of this pandemic. And that gives me hope as we ring in the New Year!