One of the most challenging parts of the pandemic is not being surrounded by the community we love. Sure, we have social media and Zoom dates to keep in touch. But it’s not the same as being in the same place, at the same time, feeling the power of live music with the people we care about, who love live music just as much as you do. I miss my Folk Fest community so very much.
When the vaccine became available I waited anxiously for my turn. When the age categories dropped on April 19 I suddenly became eligible. I was instantly on the computer looking for an opportunity to get vaccinated and luckily, I got my partner and I appointments the very next day. The feeling I got from making my vaccine appointment was exactly like the rush I used to get from scoring great tickets to see one of my favourite bands!
I sent texts and emails to my family, friends and colleagues encouraging them to make their appointments; “Not only will you be safer yourself, THIS is the way we’ll get to see live music return to Manitoba,” I told them, and I believe that with all my heart. Thankfully those who were eligible told me that they got their appointments too. Collectively, it felt like we all created a surge towards the life we want to live again.
When I went to my appointment at Costco a friend from high school was the pharmacy technician. I hadn’t seen her in a long time, and it was exciting to reconnect with someone over something so important. I’m so grateful to her for taking such good care of us when we arrived and I know she did the same thing for everyone that followed. There are so many wonderful, kind, caring and giving people out there that are helping us through this process. I’ll never be able to express my appreciation enough for all those workers who are on the front lines.
We all want to do the things we love again, to hug our friends and family, go to restaurants. We want to sit close together without concern, be with other music lovers outdoors and in clubs, to feel what live music makes us feel. The only way that this can happen soon is if we all get out and do our part.
We are so lucky in this country to have such a strong healthcare system that allows everyone to get taken care of. And if we all get vaccinated quickly enough, we WILL have an amazing summer ahead. It could even include that amazing feeling live music gives us that we’ve all been missing.