Unmasked

It seemed like a normal Wednesday morning. People were about town with their heads duly sheathed in little face diapers. As usual, those of us who look for friendly faces were left to wonder about the disposition of the folks they encountered. It is almost impossible to tell if people are scowling or smiling with a mask in place. Then out of the blue came Mayor Joe Hogsett’s announcement that Marion County residents can drop the mask as of June 7th!

So, now…well not now…but in two and a half weeks, IF the City-County Council approves the Mayor’s announcement, we can almost return to normal. After months of retraining women to stop wearing lipstick (as it tends to coagulate on the mask) they now will have to relearn the subtle art of application. Other difficulties may be less obvious. There was a certain physical boundary—a little fence as it were, inherent between people wearing masks. For some, who aren’t that excited about human interaction, the mask was more than a deterrent to germs, it was a kind of safety net. For others—the huggers among us—it was a ball and chain we had to get used to or face social scorn.

Here’s the good news. If you are a church goer, Marion County services will be able to increase to 100 percent capacity. However, indoor sporting events can only allow 50 percent capacity. (OK, I don’t understand what the difference is, but I’m sure someone out there will explain it to me.) Seriously, please don’t. I have no indoor sporting events on my calendar anyway.

As a person who is always looking ahead, my sainted mother used to say “don’t wish your life away.” But if I could wake up on June 7th tomorrow, it would be ok. So I’d lose a couple of weeks. I would boldly go, with my entire face exposed into the world! It is an idea that is both calming and exciting…No More Masks! I’m all for safety, but as a weak human being, I have reached my limit. Thank you Mayor Hogsett!

#Unmasked
Nancy 🙂