As I look out the window to a bright red sky (what’s that saying, red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning?), I reflect on the last 1.5 years much of it in lockdown more than not.

Today is the last day of lockdown.

On the radio and on television, people are preparing for getting out of it at midnight.

Some restaurants and pubs will open their doors at this time to let limited numbers in to celebrate and finally catch up with friends.

Me? I’m looking forward to seeing my parents IN their own home.

My plans will be fairly subdued. In all honesty, yes, it’s exciting to finally “go outside” (as a matter of saying) but all I’ll be doing is seeing my parents at their home on Friday and then reconnecting with my brother, sister-in-law and little 6 year old nephew whom I haven’t seen since July.

Everything else will be on hold.

Truth is, COVID is swirling out there. It’s now rampant in our environment so it’s only a matter of time before I will catch it somewhere somehow but for now, I just don’t want to get sick but more so, I don’t want to spread it especially to those who may be most vulnerable. So I have to try and be as careful as possible and follow the right procedures which of course, I don’t mind doing at all.

This lifting feels very different to the last one where we reached zero cases. Yes, things are opening up but there’s still a slight feeling of anxiety and trepidation. Also there will be a mad rush to meet people and go out and ‘do stuff’ and in all honesty, I just don’t feel ready for this to go back to a ‘full’ diary.

It may feel a little like coming out of a deep sleep for a long time and now ready to face the world. It’s weird and scary at the same time.

Stay safe everyone.

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com