Emerging from Hibernation
Author: Sheri Denkensohn-Trott
I always wonder what it is like for an animal that hibernates all winter and comes out in the warm weather. It must be like seeing and experiencing everything
for the first time. Fresh smells, greenery, and flowers. From darkness to light. In a strange way, that is how I felt last week.
I have not gotten my hair cut since February. It sounds like a first world problem, and it is, but my hair was longer than my shoulders and extremely grey. I wasn’t going out anywhere special, so it didn’t bother me to put my long hair in a ponytail every morning and keep it that way with Moroccan oil. My plan was to not get my hair done until the pandemic was over. My reasoning was that I was worried about contracting COVID during the process. Having someone close to me wash my hair, being inside for a long time, and having to wear a mask for approximately two hours. Also, I am not going anywhere special, so why bother spending the money and enduring the risk.
But my analysis changed when I was surprised and humbled to learn that I will be receiving the 2020 Distinguished Service to Students award from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy. The upcoming ceremony is virtual, but the College asked for a headshot. That changed my risk tolerance. Did I really want everybody in the alumni community to see my horrible hair? So, I bit the bullet and made a hair appointment.
I was nervous, but we were able to accomplish the task with minimal risk. My chair was near the door of the salon and it was kept open the entire time. I was masked and so was the hairdresser. When he washed my hair, he put a towel over my face and worked fast. We did everything we could to minimize the risk. When I emerged I felt like new. Yes, it was like coming out of hibernation.
I can’t imagine what it will feel like when this pandemic was over. I’m sure it will be even better than the feeling of coming out of hibernation. It will be like a long bad dream is over. I know we can’t wait until that day, but for now, back to hibernation for the winter.
boat as we are. They are craving connection; someone to talk to and understand how scared they are and what they are experiencing, especially those that live alone. For instance, one person stated how afraid she is of getting sick and having to go to the hospital. Even if she doesn’t have COVID, she cannot have anyone with her. What if the doctor doesn’t understand her condition? What if she is so sick that she cannot communicate her needs? This brought up an important issue. We should all be thinking about this. As they say, hope for the best but prepare for the worst. We should all designate a specific person that can be called on for assistance over the phone if for some reason we wind up in the hospital. Also, it is wise to talk to your primary care physician about being a point of contact if you wind up in the hospital.