Recently, I drove to Harrison to see my friend Shirley. We had planned for what I called a “drive-by” visit as I had expected to park in her driveway, see her from the doorway of the barn, and chat briefly, the format of a previous visit in February. However, when I got there, her daughter had set out chairs for us in the driveway, at a distance, of course. So due to the chairs and the nice weather, we were able to have a 45- minute visit. It was so good to see her.
I miss my friends. Texts and emails and phone calls do not take the place of seeing people.
A few of my friends I have seen during the pandemic. Masked and following protocol, we have gone out for lunch or dinner. Due to the pandemic, I expectedly have had a scant number of visitors, but even then, sitting apart and not sharing a meal isn’t a real visit. And then there are some friends whom I haven’t gotten together with at all.
One day, feeling sorry for myself and wondering why I felt so bored and isolated, I made a list of activities and places I missed. I counted at least 10, and most of them involved friends or acquaintances.
Solitary holidays are not fun. So before Valentine’s Day I had arranged three “drive-by” or actually “drive -to” visits to drop off treats and see the recipients. Two visits were local, but the third was to Harrison. At that time we were all masked and not vaccinated and the weather too cold to linger, but I accomplished what I had wanted – to celebrate a holiday with my friends.
I miss going to work and seeing people so much that I have begged my supervisor to let me come back to the Writing Center in the fall if there is a choice of working in person or online.
I had to nudge (or guilt?) one friend and co-worker I still haven’t seen in person into two Zoom meetings and a couple of lengthy phone calls.
I would like to see my ticket taker friends at South Portland High School and Todd, the athletic administrator, and Sam, his assistant.
I am eagerly awaiting events at the Italian Heritage Center.
Although my friend Sally and I do go out to lunch frequently, I do miss meeting her at afternoon movies.
Since the pandemic, I have rarely gone to the Burbank Branch Library. As well as wishing I could be there browsing the stacks, I wish I could see Jim and Stephanie sitting at the desk.
I also miss being on campus at USM, taking classes, and seeing familiar faces at the Recognition Ceremony.
There are so many people I am looking forward to seeing again.
As I stood up to leave after my recent visit with my friend in Harrison, I said, “I wish I could hug you goodbye, Shirley.”
“I miss hugs,” she replied.
Something else we’re all missing.
— Special to the Telegram
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