One year ago today was the last time I gathered with people who were not my household family members or medical personnel for required medical appointments.
One year ago today was the last time I hugged a friend.
One year ago today was the last time I ate in a restaurant.
One year ago today was the last time I left the house without a mask.
In the past year, I have permanently lost friends, some to COVID-19, some to conspiracy theories. Both have hurt deeply.
In the past year, I have also been witness to incredible resiliency, patience, courage, determination, and authenticity, some of it my own.
In the past year, I simultaneously felt like I lost faith in humanity and renewed my faith in humanity.
In the past year, I have become even more conscious of what's truly important to me, of where I need to grow, where I need more compassion, and where I can stop holding back out of fear.
One year ago today, everything changed.
