Hey now, hey now, don’t dream it’s over………………..

“Level 1 – you can’t get any better than that”.

So said Neil Finn at the Crowded House concert we attended on Wednesday night.

I looked around the Christchurch Arena and couldn’t not acknowledge how damn lucky we in Christchurch are.

Right here.

Right now.

• 

• 

Whatever you think about the current NZ government, you have to admit Jacinda, Ashley B and the team have done a mighty fine job of keeping us safe.

They listened, they paid attention to the science, they consulted with the medical profession. 

Yeah it was tough at times, more so for the North Island, and in particular Auckland. 

But because of that, we are one of the few countries in the world who can carry on with life pretty much normally. 

We do app in everywhere we go. It’s habit now. 

We don’t wear masks unless on public transport and that’s not absolutely mandatory here in ChCh. 

I haven’t once had to wear a mask. Not once. 

There is barely any social distancing.

Certainly not at the arena on Wednesday night.

No need.

Covid free.

At the moment.

I feel incredibly blessed and incredibly lucky.

That doesn’t mean it hasn’t been hard. It’s all relative isn’t it? 

Someone mentioned to me a while ago that they felt guilty because they weren’t suffering like so many others but still found this change to their lives hard to deal with.

Challenging and depressing.

Quite valid. 

It’s why I haven’t posted for ages. 

I realise that I write when I am happy. 

But today, while I sit here and write this post, I watch the American news, and weep.

I don’t care what political side you are on, the US government did not handle this pandemic well.

545,000 deaths.

It doesn’t get any worse than that.

So when I can’t get home to see some of the people I love most in the world I try and remind myself how lucky I am.

And be grateful. 

Cause there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it is getting brighter.

And it isn’t a train.  It’s a vaccine.

The science is right there. It doesn’t get approved unless its safe and then there is ongoing monitoring once approved.

Approvals are based on clinical evidence. 

This isn’t Thalidomide people. 

It’s our new way of life. Yearly vaccines against different strains of Coronavirus.

Just like we do with the flu.

The numbers are there. The use of vaccines are already driving down and reducing Covid numbers. 

It’s not over yet.

Don’t dream it’s over.

Get your vaccine when you get the opportunity.

Our vaccine is due for the general population here around July. 

I will be first in line. 

And first in line on that plane, mask wearing no doubt, to visit my family and friends in Australia. Who I miss so very much. 

(Thanks Lelanie and Pete – you know why).