It has been another hard week, it is fair to say. There are none who are immune from the worry of this pandemic and its consequences. There are probably none who fully understand the changing rules and regulations with their ever changing status.
What we do know that as humans, we are being asked to mimic the animals and creatures and to hibernate. To be honest, there is probably not a better time of the year for it. Bloated by the excesses of Christmas, confined by weather and woes, the days still not quite stretching to an appreciable extent, we find ourselves with all the raw materials for wintering.
Our expectations are lowered daily, where we can go, what we can do. The traditions of life falling like melting iceblocks in the Antarctic. Our moods impacted by a daily recitation of figures and instructions, and from this evening, a new figure will enter our lives when the total number of vaccinations will be posted.
I wondered the other day what I would have been doing at a particular time if none of this had happened, and to be honest, it was probably something that I would have done every year. So all I was missing out on was something similar to before. Something that would not stay in the memory as long as this year and all its machinations surely will.
Last night’s announcements about the postponed return to school, and the extension of the restrictions in general do little to add to the gaiety, but remember that we are all experiencing the same emotions. Avail of the opportunity to talk and share your emotions, as that light at the end of the tunnel starts to grow.
A lot of hard work went into getting us and our loved ones this far; it would be a pity to let it all slip now in the depths of winter as the promise of Spring come bounding around the corner. The vaccine programme commences in Galway nursing homes today, the approval by the EMA of another vaccine increases more supplies for our country and inevitably there will be more as production is ramped up.
But while there is hope for a lot of us, sadness seems to be a constant bedfellow.
While I would to extend my sympathies to all who have experienced loss over the past while, my heart goes out this week to the Harrison family who suffered the loss of their talented son James last weekend in Kerry. The tributes to James from his clubs and his school were substantial and highlighted his commitment to his sport and to his friendships. I am also thinking this week of the Fahy family in Menlo on the loss of Gerardine, wife of Cllr Frank Fahy, a woman who served as a wonderful ambassador for Galway when Frank was Mayor of the City some years ago.
Both Gerardine and James will be much missed, they both represented their parish, their city and their place with pride. Galway is a lesser place without them. To Matthew and Maire, and Aoife and Daniel; and to Frank, Aisling, Aaron and Sean, and indeed to all who have suffered loss, be aware that the collective arms of the city and county are wrapped around you at this sad time.
Take care. Talk to you next week.
