The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

While spell-checking this article, Microsoft Word asked me if I meant to type the word "Covid." As I considered whether to "ignore, change, or add" this new word to my computer program's dictionary, I realized that I needed to push "add." This word is now part of our culture and immediate existence. We are a puppet in this disease's tangled marionette strings; not knowing what the future will bring or which way we will be jolted.

We are cautiously venturing out onto the grounds, breaking free from our houses, seeking normalcy through springtime adventure. We do so whilst holding our breath knowing that this glimpse of fresh new freedom may be short lived.

Our family is divided. We have immediate and extended family deeply concerned and taking all precautions like wearing masks, not buying groceries or shopping in stores, and staying away from others. Then there are those of us that take precautions around our grandparents, the sick and other vulnerable individuals. We wear masks if needed and stay six feet away from those with elevated risk levels, but the rest of the time we live fairly normally.

IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS

Some of Sherry and Art Toft's grandchildren show off their Memorial Day weekend catch at Lost Island.

We still want to be safe and considerate of those around us. We just believe in herd immunity, the power of being in nature and with loved ones, and living our lives as normally as possible while still taking precautions when necessary.

It's hard to discern what is right or wrong. I talk weekly about this – how difficult it is to know what is too much or too little. I sometimes feel as though I've got a great grip on understanding this and the next minute I read a new article or hear a new fact that is discouraging and flips me upside down once again.

For our sanity, serenity, empathy, genuine health and safety – and for this pandemic to cease as quickly as it arrived – I pray this for all, especially as we venture beyond our front porches. Much love and well wishes to each of you.

Sentinel-News contributor Iesha Toft lives in Royal.