Out into the open

Two bicyclists make their way down River Road in Woodstock on Sunday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Stellar spring weather greeted Memorial Day Weekend, and the crowds responded quickly.

Getting outside has been the theme. In Woodstock, Vermont, numerous bicyclists rolled through town on Sunday afternoon, many in groups, cars were spotted with kayaks on top, some kids enjoyed the river, friends picnicked on the Village Green, and families strolled through the village to hit a few shops and get ice cream. They were there, all the signs of a typical holiday weekend in a rural town. 

But obviously, it’s not typical, coming amid a pandemic. There is still much work to be done to face up to fear, overcome it, and reach lasting solutions for society. We may not know what “typical” is anymore. That said, it is a relief to take in familiar, joyful scenes this weekend. I think we all had greatly missed them, and are glad to step out into the sun and enjoy it, even if just for a short time. 

As we move through this time, there is a lot which can distress us, but it’s also important to look around and be mindful of what we do have. We have each other, and an opportunity to remake an economy that, perhaps, wasn’t serving society all that well. As I look outside and ponder this blessing of brilliant light and warm air, maybe it’s an invitation to get out and connect with other people, and kindly share what this experience has taught us, whether it be through word or deed. The great reset is shifting into the restart phase, and the most profound events begin with small, meaningful moments of connection. There’s no better time to continue that progress, than now.

— Gareth Henderson