Clear Lakers look ahead to life without COVID

(Above) Riley Brinkman, shown here with friends last Christmas in Peru, spent the majority of the COVID quarantine helping people in Peru, where she puts her nursing degree to good use.  Brinkman was able to come back to Clear Lake in the fall and she stayed through the holidays before returning to Peru.  “It’s been a time of sorrow and mourning, but it is returning to joy and celebrating the goodness of God, even in trials, that I am so eager and longing to get back to,” said Brinkman.  -Submitted photo

by Michelle Watson

Who would have thought when the pandemic began in March that we would still be battling this virus?  We have had to adapt our lives to mask wearing, social distancing, virtual everything including how we gather with family and friends. Our community has seen the cancellation of many beloved events - events that make our community what it is.

The new year is a time to reflect and count our blessings.  It’s also a time to look ahead with hope to the future.  With that said, people in the community were asked what they are looking forward to the most when the pandemic is over.  

Of course, the main thing people said they were looking forward to is spending time with family and friends.

Hunter Trenary said he just wants to be able to see people again and not have to wear masks.  “I’m ready for things to go back to normal.”

Reece Perry, age 11, said he missed spending time with his friends and going to school without a mask.  “I also don’t want to worry anymore about getting the coronavirus.”

Kirby Schmidt said he misses his family and doing normal things.

Addie Schmidt, age seven, said she just wants to have people over to play.

Although Steve McGrath misses his own family, he feels especially sorry for those who have loved ones in care facilities.  “I personally feel for all those families unable to see their loved ones in retirement homes, nursing homes and even hospitals.  I especially feel bad in those cases where loved ones are alone when their time here is near the end and families can’t be with them.”

“What I’m looking forward to when the pandemic ends is that I don’t have to see and hear of people living in fear.  It’s just so sad,” said Linette Heydt.  “I also care for those in care centers.  I want to see them be freed from having to live like a prisoner and so they can see their loved ones.”

Megan Birkhoffer, who works at MercyOne North Iowa, said she is looking forward to the day she doesn’t have to wear a mask at work all day.  “I’m also tired of social distancing and I miss seeing people’s smiles.”

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Kylee Colby, age 10, is hoping she gets to take a trip with her mom and dad for her 10th birthday in 2021.  She also misses getting together with her friends whenever she wants and not having to wear masks.

Jason Miller said he is most looking forward to not talking about the pandemic any more.  “Every where you go, that’s the topic everyone is talking about.  I’m ready to put that one to rest.”

Joni Erwin will be happy to not have to explain herself every time she goes somewhere. “I’m tired of telling people where I’ve been, who I’ve been with and what I’ve been doing.  I’m also a hugger, so I want people to feel comfortable giving me a hug again.”

The hugging sentiment was echoed by Lynae Heinemann. “I am a huge hugger.  So I cannot wait to hug my family and friends.  I may squeeze the air right out of them for a bit.”

"I’m tired of telling people where I’ve been, who I’ve been with and what I’ve been doing.  I’m also a hugger, so I want people to feel comfortable giving me a hug again. - Joni Erwin"

Even Derek Crawford, who confesses he usually doesn’t care for watching movies with other people, is now missing the interaction with others and going into theaters.

Darlene Crabb said she has really missed all the great activities Clear Lake offers.  “I also miss going to church.  Online is just not the same as meeting with my church community.”

Some are trying to stay optimistic while safety precautions remain in place.

Stacy Lamoore confessed to something not everyone can do.  “I have actually liked being home.  I’m in introvert and I’m enjoying life right now.  The limited people I see are my close circle of friends and that’s enough for me.”

     "I do look forward to a day of seeing people’s smiles and selfishly getting a facial and spending a weekend in a hotel with my entire family.  But until then, I’ll wear my mask, sanitize, wash my hands and keep social distancing. We can do this!  - Jackie Lindquist"

Kim Christy, owner of Junkin Gal, in Garner, was another who has found positive aspects in quarantining.  “Staying at home is a wonderful thing and it’s a blessing in itself.  With that said, as a business owner I am looking forward to when people can come out to shop without worries and enjoy themselves again.”

Jackie Lindquist has been prepared from the beginning and is willing to do what it takes until the end.  “When the pandemic first started I asked a nurse how long she thought the virus would last.  She said that most pandemics last 18-months to two years.  So I settled in and thought I can do this for two years, but I do look forward to a day of seeing people’s smiles and selfishly getting a facial and spending a weekend in a hotel with my entire family.  But until then, I’ll wear my mask, sanitize, wash my hands and keep social distancing.  We can do this!”

“We have all learned valuable lessons during this time of the pandemic,” said Riley Brinkman.  “I’d like to think that we all gained a new perspective on life - - that when we are stripped of our social activities it focuses us back to the basics of spending more intentional time at home with family.  May we have a fresh thankfulness on the mundane and the basic everyday life.  May we not forget the simple ways of showing love to one another, to our neighbor and even to a stranger.”

There’s a saying that goes, “you don’t miss something until it’s gone.”  That has really rung true this year.  We all miss gathering with friends and family like we used to.  We miss going to athletic events and concerts.  We miss smiling at people we meet in public without the mask getting in the way.  We will not take our Fourth of July celebrations, our annual car show and cruise, or the Art Sail for granted again.

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