During the height of the pandemic, I believe we were all pulled a little closer to our own mortality, as-well-as to those we love dearly. We all experienced a strange mix of fear, anger, and sadness, with some folks these emotions exploded to the surface, like a volcano erupting, and, for others, they remained mostly at a subconscious level - felt, nonetheless.
I recall walking Maggie and trying to remain mindful - noticing each house, each lawn and tree I passed, noticing all that I could see, smell, and feel. Every day for a month or so, during this walk, I would repeat what had become my mantra - there will come a day when I will not be able to do this - I must make the best of this. I continue with this mantra, every day.