Disappointment and regret

Terrigal sunrise today (courtesy Julie)

The word "unprecedented" gets a lot of use these days, but it is hard to argue that it is over-used or inappropriately used (as was often the case pre-pandemic).

Matcham Valley autumn colours this morning (courtesy Julie)

Today was an unprecedented Mother's Day, with the traditional gatherings at cafés, restaurants and homes not permitted in Australia (apart from, maybe, the Northern Territory).  In New South Wales, there was a lot of serial visiting because the state government changed the COVID-19 restrictions a week ago to permit two adults plus children to visit another household.  Julie and I visited her parents, but instead of the usual large family gathering, visits from grown children and their families were sequential.

Compared to many, we were mostly lucky in NSW.  However, for those under lockdown in nursing homes and in other parts of the world, this was likely a disappointing and difficult day.

Because many of the traditional events we have come to anticipate and value have been cancelled or modified -- vacations, professional sport, birthdays, weddings, etc -- due to the "unprecedented" pandemic restrictions, there is a sense of loss and regret experienced to varying degrees.

Wamberal beach this morning (courtesy Julie)

As a serious runner, the same feelings are experienced when through injury you cannot participate in an event for which you have been preparing for months, or longer.  It has happened throughout my running career and with greater frequency as I get older.  It can be particularly painful as the day of the event approaches and you watch the excitement and anticipation of others who will be competing, while you analyse what you could have done differently to reach the start line in good shape.

However, these running frustrations have taught me a valuable lesson.  Despite the pre-event sadness and regrets, once the race day has passed the disappointment is quickly forgotten and new goals are set and anticipated.  So it will be for all of the events and occasions we miss because of the pandemic.