So what did I tell you, these pandemics fizzle out afterwhile. It looks like this one is winding down, thank God.
We feel sorry for the ones still getting it, but we rejoice as the darn gunk is going away, and skies and our minds are clear once again.
It’s been a real bad two years. You can tell your kids about it, like your grandad talking about the Great Depression.
We remember when coronavirus first hit, the panic in the stores, fighting for toilet paper, clawing at the grocery shelves! There were 50 shopping carts lined up like the end of the world. It looked like the shopping channel gone wild.
Aloha got trampled in those days.
But it looks like these prickly little COVID balls are deflating and floating away. You don’t see little red COVID graphics bobbing around on your TV anymore.
They’ve toned it down, pandemic news is after the weather and traffic, it’s getting to be old news.
There are some flare ups, and people are getting it still, but on our island anyway, it’s on the way out. It feels normal again. You get out of your car without a mask, hooray, hooray!
You notice no more coronavirus case numbers blaring across the West Hawaii front page. It went so low they dropped it from the paper.
With the great feeling that this pandemic is ending, I went around town and asked people when they will know the pandemic’s over.
Laurie at the print shop said, “You know it’s over when you can see people smile.” Her friend, Kendra there said, “When you can hug again.”
Lisa from Waikoloa said, “When kids at school don’t have to wear a mask.” Frederick from Kona said, “You know it’s over when you can sit in Starbucks without a mask.” Jacqueline quipped, “When no one’s wearing a mask, that’s about it.” Susie, former UH Hilo grad said, “It’s over when humans become extinct.” A cheerful thought.
Marla from Pahoa was in the spirit, she said, “It’s over when the fat lady sings.”
The pandemic might be ending but a Putindemic is starting up. I hope we have enough shots to end that virus.
I have a good answer. You know it’s over when Costco starts giving out free samples again.
And they are handing out samples right now, tuck your napkin under your chin and get down there. Forget the pandemic, pass the pupus.
Dennis Gregory writes a bi-monthly column for West Hawaii Today and welcomes your comments at makewavess@yahoo.com