I prefer to exercise outside, so a few weeks ago when I saw that the temperature was going to get up to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, I was practically ecstatic.
Thirty-seven sounded so much warmer than 23 or 24, which was where the high temperature had been hovering for days. When that 37-degree day came along, my husband and I went for a walk and thoroughly enjoyed the warmer temperatures.
I am always happy for winter’s cold temperatures to end, so I wasn’t surprised by how relieved I felt to have warmer temperatures. But somehow, this change in the weather signaled more than just the winding down of winter. It brought me hope that other winter-like parts of life are beginning to end too.
Since that first warmer day, both colleges where I teach (Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana University Purdue University Columbus) have announced that more classes will be in person for the fall semester.
I have been teaching my college students online for a year now, and knowing that I might get to teach in person again soon makes the online teaching more bearable and helps me to have a better attitude as I finish this semester.
I can’t wait to see my students in person instead of just as small profile pictures or names on black Zoom boxes.
The increasing availability of vaccines also brings me hope. My dad has had his and my husband and I have just gotten ours, so in a few more weeks we can go visit my dad without worrying about exposing him to the coronavirus.
My husband is looking forward to finally taking the Spring Break trip he and his youngest son had planned for last year this May.
I am also looking forward to the return of some of our community activities. The Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Board has indicated that they will be holding the fair this summer. Organizers have said that Ethnic Expo will be happening in some form this year.
I just learned that the Mill Race Marathon is planning for an in-person race this fall. I hope bike rides like the Tour de Trails ride and the Hope Ride will happen too. Running or riding by yourself for a virtual event just doesn’t capture the excitement of participating (and competing) with others.
In addition to the easing of pandemic restrictions, I am pleased that the contention that came with the 2020 presidential election has lessened. There are still disagreements about policies and the best way to run the country, but I see less name-calling and animosity between those with different views.
Hopefully this will continue, and maybe we can even progress to working together to solve problems.
As the temperatures continue to warm, I keep seeing more signs of spring. The daffodils are coming up, robins are returning, and the amount of daylight is increasing. This weekend is the vernal equinox, so spring will officially be here.
While we may still have some colder days, winter is ending. I am happy to use fewer layers as I exercise outside, and I hope you can find relief in the spring weather and from your wintry situations.
Susan Cox is one of The Republic’s community columnists, and all opinions expressed are those of the writer. She is a mother and an adjunct instructor of English at Ivy Tech Community College Columbus and Indiana University Purdue University Columbus. She can be reached at [email protected].
