Union News - December 2021
Can you believe 2022 is within sight?
I have yet to digest 2020, or to process 2021.
Was it over 18 months ago that this invisible, viral monster took hold of every aspect of our lives? Created fear and isolation. Hitting our marginalized groups even harder, already fighting the fight - new challenges and demands can be too much.
Our new offices now look like our dining rooms or spare rooms redesigned to our comfort level.
Hinging on some temporary arrangement before the world becomes more predictable.
I sit at my desk doing a job that looks the same - yet feels different. Alone.
People state that they want the world to go back to “normal” - my life has never been normal and the thought of that is terrifying.
What the world needs now is predictability; where we can plan events and get hugs, and clink glasses, and have more than 20 people present. Organize conferences, see the smiling faces of colleagues and Union leadership. Stop worrying that the next slip of my mask could be detrimental.
I must admit that the pandemic has affected me mentally, the isolation, too much time with my own thoughts. Watching people on Facebook and Instagram write books, bake bread and run marathons have impacted my self worth. Have I completed any tasks that I always promised myself I would do when I had more time??? How much more time do I need?
If all you did was survive - I am proud of you. Hopefully someone shared their bread and let us read their book. Hopefully someone checked in on you to make sure you were doing OK.
I made lunch from groceries I had delivered because someone sneezed at Sobeys last week and scared me; I have learned I actually spend less when I don't step foot in a store hungry and tired. A good thing - because I have less now.
I have Facetimed my friends and relatives and missed them more than ever.
I have lost people I loved and could not say goodbye. I have watched my family income decrease, cost of living increase; Groceries and housing are out of reach for some.
I have had enough time in isolation to develop a wine habit and kick it. An online shopping habit that is waning.
I am double vaccinated - my body - my choice.
I have watched people defend freedom and rights while feeling uneducated - yet - defending people's decisions. It has all become too much - I thank my union for staying informed and sharing with us, reassuring us, defending our rights and jobs.
All of this has been unpredictable - I am ready to know what will happen in 2022 and beyond. I am ready for people and hugs.
Mel Lucier
Local 00018 Windsor