Some days are harder than others.
In general, yes, but especially lately.
Hard has become the expected norm.
I’m not okay with that.
I’m so over the growing divide.
How’s that for an optimistic visual?!
Me, the bridge over the chasm, connecting the sides!
Unfortunately, that’s not what I mean. I’m exhausted by the constant name-calling, finger-pointing, misinformation, and intentional degradation. What happened to, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all“? If you must insult someone to make a point, maybe your point doesn’t stand on its own?
Some days, I can’t change pages or delete posts fast enough.
They seep into my brain, making me hate a lot of things.
I don’t want to hate.
I can’t help but wonder why others do.
I need to stop checking social media.
BUT I MISS YOU!
And since I can’t just show up at your house–SURPRISE!–or meet for coffee, lunch, or conversation, I keep up with your escapades through the internet.
I’m genuinely curious what you made for dinner!
I want to admire the home improvement project you tackled!
I want to see your kids!
And your pets!
And your platitudes.
Even the memes that are funny for humor sake and not shame sake.
I will never miss your political opinions.
Obviously, today is a hard day.
I miss running to the grocery store for a forgotten ingredient. Real quick, in and out.
I miss walking downtown for a cold beer to wash down my Tuesday Tacos while watching a live cover band.
I miss chatting for hours and not once talking politics.
I miss stopping by friends’ houses because I’m in the area.
I miss being in any other area!
I miss getting together IN PERSON.
I miss your face.
And laughter.
I MISS LAUGHING WITH FRIENDS.
Video meetings and phone calls are not the same.
Contributing to the hard is the worry . . . about the kids.
A whole generation forced into a “gap year”. What are they missing?!
And the elderly. Isolated. What are they missing?!
Events delayed, graduations cancelled, weddings postponed–to what end?
How will future dates possibly be any better or different when the only solution seems to be regurgitating the immediate negativity. We’re stagnant. And it stinks.
How will things get better with the masses consciously sabotaging efforts?
Heavy topic today. Too heavy for a meager Monday blog.
I’d apologize, but I’m pretty sure, considering the prevalence of shitty social media posts and continued crappy news, I’m not the only one feeling this way.
You are not alone!
Emotionally, anyway.
You’re totally on your own, over there, six feet or more away.
But we are in this together.
Can we try to make the situation better?
Together?
Tell me, what you are missing? And how are you making up for the loss?
How do you stay positive? I’d positively love to know!
MARY LAMPHERE AUTHOR 
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