Sure, 2020 wasn’t the best year ever.
We had expectations. We had plans. Then, boom, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. In a second, everyone’s life was derailed.
Continue reading “Let’s Rewind the Tape – A Perspective on 2020”On December 2, 1984, my Gigi Karatchuk died at the age of 67. Baba died two years before him when I was six years old. I always understood death, but trying to process grief and primary school math is complex. Decades later, we lost our maternal grandparents, and those emotions resurfaced.
Losing grandparents is difficult, and it’s unique for each person. There isn’t a time limit because grief shouldn’t end. You will forever feel the loss when there’s an empty chair. You will have your moments and memories. Embrace your loss. And never be afraid to cry.
“Grandparents are only with us part-time.”
That was the gist of a late-80s MTS commercial.
As young grandchildren, we’re fortunate to remember and make memories with our grandparents. When our grandparents are still with us in our teen years, or our 20s, 30s, or 40s – we believe they are invincible.
Continue reading “Losing Grandparents Doesn’t Become Simpler with Age”I Googled “ideas for blog posts during a pandemic” tonight, trying to come up with a story. There are few topics to write about when people are either arguing or making fun of hoarding toilet paper,
Some believe COVID-19 is a death sentence, and others are saying the symptoms are mild. While some people are panicking, and others are relatively calm. I’m in that camp.
I’m confident with self-isolation, quarantines, social distancing, and proper steps to keep each other safe, we can control COVID-19.
I understand some people are more vulnerable than others. People are worried about their families, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and with underlying conditions.
Yes, be ready. Have a plan. Buy one can of Lysol. I was out, so I bought another – out of need. The toilet paper was low. Again, out of need. I wonder if the people hoarding toilet paper understand their actions. Then when it dawned on people that, hey, we can’t eat toilet paper, they moved onto food, leaving the shelves bare.
This isn’t an Apocalypse.
When the World Health Organization (WHO) announced COVID-19 as a pandemic, they said “the word ‘pandemic’ shouldn’t instill fear and panic.”
But it has and here we are. Each COVID-19 case is scary. But we don’t know the story behind the case. Travel? Close contact?
A fun fact about toilet paper. Pre-1960s, when some households didn’t have running water, toilet paper was a luxury. When duty called, people would use Eaton’s catalogues, newspaper, the funny pages. Whatever was available.
Today, we’re about immediate gratification. A “me-me-me” mentality.
When I was young, my paternal Gigi mentioned a man who took the last piece of butterscotch marshmallow square, my favourite at the time. He told me, it was selfish to take the last of anything.
That’s stuck with me. However, if it’s something I can’t do without, such as feminine hygiene products or almond milk, I have zero choice.
For now, keep your distance, wait this out, and keep in touch with your loved ones.
My birthday was the best.
I didn’t enjoy my birthday last year. Turing 40 didn’t bother me. The day was fun but it didn’t go as planned.
However, 41? It was perfect. Breakfast in bed. Lunch in bed. I didn’t leave my bed until 2:30 p.m.
I revamped any plans my husband made with no apologies. Before we left the house, I took fifteen minutes to decide what to wear. Spend another thirty minutes on my hair. I decided I wasn’t going to rush. It was my birthday.
Too often, people forget their birthday is about them. They’re caught up in the, “Oh, you planned this for me, and this, and this.” And they’re so exhausted from going place to place, they forget whose birthday they’re celebrating.
The day is about the person celebrating their birthday.
This year, I didn’t have two surprise parties. I love seeing my friends, but not when I’m exhausted from working. This year, I didn’t pretend to enjoy myself in a casino. Why a casino? No idea. I was told they were taking me somewhere with an ice cream bar, and I didn’t ask questions.
But that’s the mistake. Remember when we were little? People would ask, “What do you want for your birthday?” We knew. Nine times out of 10, we knew. Clothes, perfume, makeup, CDs, gift cards, etc. As grown ups, we’re vague. Don’t be vague. Especially women. Be direct.
If you want to spend the day eating a gluten-free Reuben in bed – like I did – say, “I want to spend it in bed – alone.” Or if you want to go on a trip with friends, then go on a trip with friends. If you want to spend your birthday with family or have a huge party, then go for it.
Because your birthday is about you, and it should be your choice how you spend the day.
After all, it is called your birthday.
Tammy W. Karatchuk 