Memoir
/ˈmemˌwär/ noun. a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation. Usually memoirs. an account of one's personal life and experiences; autobiography. the published record of the proceedings of a group or organization, as of a learned society.
Wow, only three more prompts left! I couldn’t let Memoir Monday go by without the opportunity of addressing the most life-changing event of our generation, the Covid-19 Pandemic. I think most of you will agree that absolute everything is different now. It was an interesting thought-exercise to consider everything I miss. What do you miss? The answer to this question will surely open a flood-gate of memories and some mourning for the world that we’ve lost. More importantly, your answers to next week’s Memoir Monday prompt will serve as a bellwether to future generations. This is something we didn’t have the luxury of. There weren’t many personal accounts of the Spanish Flu Pandemic that survived. Let’s make sure this isn’t the case with the Covid-19 Pandemic. Share your thoughts, memories, and feelings.
Memoir Monday has grown so much that I won’t be able to comment on everyone’s posts anymore (and get my own work done) but I’ll still be supporting your posts with reblogs, votes, and shares on my other social media accounts (X, Facebook, etc.).
For all of those who’ve regularly participated in Memoir Monday - keep going, you’re making great progress in chronicling your very own life story for future generations to enjoy.
For those who missed the inaugural post explaining what the Memoir Monday initiative is all about you can find it here.
Now for next week’s Memoir Monday prompt:
What Do You Miss About the Pre-Pandemic World?
My answer:
Just about anyone who lived through the Covid-19 pandemic of 2019-2021 would probably agree that almost nothing feels the same now. It’s difficult to put into words. When I look back at my past memories now I think of them in terms of BC/before Covid and AC/after Covid because there’s just such a distinct bifurcation between those two time periods. It feels like we’re on a completely different timeline now.
What do I miss about the pre-pandemic world? The better question might be -- Where do I begin?
I miss the presence of my father — his unique view of the world, the smell of his chewing tobacco, his laugh, buying him presents, laughing with him, our visits, and talks on the phone.
Spontaneous, unhurried time with friends. Friendships feel different now. Making plans is like scheduling a business meeting—full of reschedules, cancellations, and strict time limits. Gone are the days of effortless hangouts. And fewer people seem to value socializing the way they once did.
At least a smidgeon of trust that the government, media, and medical establishment are looking out for our best interest. So much about what we were told about the pandemic has been proven to be wrong it will be difficult to ever have any level of trust again. My opinion of how this pandemic was dealt with falls somewhere between ineptitude and predatory.
Life without constant worry. I remember elderly folks from my childhood—people who lived through the Great Depression. They saved obsessively, distrusted banks, and stockpiled essentials. They always seemed braced for the next crisis. Now, our generation carries its own version of that anxiety. The pandemic years left scars that aren’t fading anytime soon.
Thriving small, local businesses. The decade before the pandemic was the golden era of the American small business. I really enjoyed frequenting local restaurants and shops because you could feel the pride emminating from the owners and employees. This has become more and more rare as inflation and rents have skyrocketed.
Travel. Since I was a boy it was always my dream to travel the world. Between 2016 and 2019 I was lucky enough to see a lot of the world. Although it’s my plan to eventually resume I feel like the rhythm of of my travels were disrupted and it seems difficult to get back into the groove.
An undivided world. Our post Pandemic world is now much more divided and extreme. I feel that prior to late-2019 people’s opinions generally were more moderate. Now everyone has chosen a side and is an expert, are more easily triggered, and seems itching for an argument or to sway others to believe their opinions.
Good customer service. It seems rare to have a good experience when interfacing with any employee now. The customer service experience everywhere seems to have trended more in the direction of disgruntled and snarky than friendly and helpful. I’m thrilled these days if a cashier even makes small talk. That’s a pretty low bar.
I’m certain there are lots of things I’ve left out but this will give you the gist. Will the world ever go back to how it was before? I think, perhaps, the answer to that question might lie within each and every one of us.
~Eric Vance Walton~