Freedom unmasked: Pandemic unveils the limits and boundlessness of choice – SC Times

Anne Buckvold| Times Writers Group

I just wanted to run up and slap them! It was May 2021. She looked about 70 something, whitehair and a wet suit clinging to her seemingly intact and lusty body. The recipient of her fury,another woman from the class, looked aghast. Two women had brazenly walked out of Walmart,maskless. She didnt lose her temper that day, instead she unleashed it in the YMCA lockerroom.

Its been over a year since the pandemic hit, and masks have more or less fallen upon us. Weall have our opinions.

Ive had experienceswhich have caused concern. Even before the pandemic, I knew if my childcontracted a disease, it could effect her ability to determine what and how to do things. In short,disease, and now coronavirus, could impact her freedom.

I learned quickly however, that the rest of my world didnt necessarily share my concern. Toothers, freedom means something different. My daughters neurological health isnt somethingeveryone will consider. Even St. Joseph city council leaders didnt mask up once we beganmeeting in person again in May of 2020. At one point our police chief said he didnt think wecould force people to wear masks, only educate them on the benefits. To his credit, I think hewas right, despite the popularity of lawn signs supporting law enforcement around town.

People have preferences, even regarding something as fundamental as the laws governing ourcollective well being or wait, is it our freedom theyre meant to protect?

Now over half of Minnesotans have been vaccinated, a half million have had the virus. We havean increased knowledge of this virus. Were all tired of it, the virus, the masks, their usage andnon, the gravity of having lost loved ones. We navigate this pandemic daily, as well as ourrelated feelings. The burning question, When will this end?

I stopped to get gas and grab a slice of pizza. No time to grab the paper, but the headlinecaught my eye, How do we know when the pandemic is over? I glanced quick at the contentsuggesting it would end at a different time and a different way for each of us. A wave of reliefrushed over me.

Its easier to concern ourselves with others instead of developing a healthy degree of self focus.

Ideals dont matter as much as pragmatics when raising kids. The chances my daughter willcontract COVID in her lifetime are good. I hope shell meet it the same she would any adversity:with a strength of spirit that enriches the quality of her character and leaves her sense offreedom intact. Freedom doesnt promise life or safety. Risk abounds at every turn. Life is atantalizing event, if we let her be.

Greatness is a direction, preaches Pastor James Alberts. Our country is headed in a direction.

My gut tells me, itll never be one in lockstep. Well go lots of places.

Its the fourth of July. People are traveling everywhere and flames shoot up and out over the sky,in all directions. My mind goes to an early morning conversation I had recently with my dad. He reminded me of the seven deadly sins: pride, lust, anger, gluttony, greed, envy and sloth. Ivebeen mulling these over, mentally cleaning house. Sin is harmful, unhealthy, inefficient, clutter and things that makes me feel less free. Ill ditch anger, no sense getting trapped in that.

Gluttony? I don't eat modestly because its good for my body. I practice restraint because itmakes me feel more free I get a feeling, not a lower calorie count. I want to feel as free ashumanly possible. But freedom to do what exactly?

I reflect on the actions of our forefathers, and what theyve afforded me - a white woman sittingin the middle of lake country. Perhaps no direction is greater than self-direction and I thankGod, Ive been given the freedom to exercise that.

Anne Buckvold is a member of the Times Writers' Group. She is a social worker, organizer and artist who lives in St.Joseph with her family. Her column appears on the second Thursday of the month.

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Freedom unmasked: Pandemic unveils the limits and boundlessness of choice - SC Times