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Here’s how Boston.com readers are celebrating post-pandemic life
"Seeing them in real life, hugging them, and not being afraid. Sounds crazy I know."
Life in Boston is slowly returning to normal and Boston.com readers are more than ready to get back to the people and things they missed during the worst of the pandemic.
Gov. Charlie Baker will end the state of emergency on June 15, marking a statewide end to nearly all pandemic-related restrictions. Barring some “crazy unforeseen variant,” the worst of the pandemic is behind us, according to Dr. Ashish K. Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health.
We asked readers how they’ll be celebrating post-pandemic life and they shared their plans to travel and gather with loved ones.
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“I’m looking forward to being with those who are ready to accept that the pandemic may not be over, but realize we no longer have an excuse to be a city state of hermits on government social aid programs,” said Tom of Charlestown. “The world will turn, summer is here, get some vitamin D — just wear your SPF 50, please — and for goodness sake it’s OK to SMILE!”
Even those with reservations about the accelerated reopening timeline are looking forward to celebrating life again.
“Frankly I think the restrictions were lifted too quickly,” one reader said. “But I am looking forward to life post vaccine, especially reuniting with family.”
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Ahead, read more of what people had to say about celebrating post-pandemic life.
Want to share how you’re celebrating post-pandemic life with Boston.com? Send us your photos and stories here or e-mail [email protected].
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
“In the words of the late-great John Pinette, “SHOW ME THE BUFFET!!” — John N., Andover
“Heading straight to the Eaglebrook Saloon to watch the Bruins playoff games, just like 2019 all over again!” — Riley, Wrentham
“I’ll be flying out to Seattle to see my brother and his family for the first time since the shutdown. They’ll be meeting my baby daughter for the first time who was born back in September.” — Anonymous
“I have been stuck with my loved ones for almost a year and a half! I am looking forward to companies giving all essential workers a raise and replacing tipping jobs with a decent wage. All these vaxxed spenders need their servants to work for them — at least pay them. Seeing people treated fairly is something to look forward to.” — Charlie, Newburyport
“Pizza in the North End! “— Anonymous
“My grandmother lives in Florida. Like most people, I haven’t seen her in over a year. Looking forward to flying down and giving her a big hug! ” — Josh Fienman, Salem
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“I want to hug my parents and feel less strange outdoors and among, well, humans. “ — Anonymous
“I can’t wait to fly out to Oregon to see my family. And hugs. All the hugs.” — Mary, Marlborough
“Looking forward to laughing, talking, sharing in person with my friends, no masks. Seeing them in real life, hugging them, and not being afraid. Sounds crazy I know.” — Anonymous
“Can’t wait to get married and travel again. We rescheduled our wedding twice to make sure we could do it safely. We’re very lucky that all our close friends and family are vaccinated, so the rest of 2021 will be very busy and I’m looking forward to all of it — eating out, travel, vacations and wedding celebrations!” —Dot, Boston
“Live music! Going to listen to full bands as well as performing in front of real people again, not heads in boxes on a screen.” — Anonymous
How are you celebrating post-pandemic life?
Do you have a post-pandemic reunion to share? Do you have a loved one you’re especially looking forward to seeing as we move into this next phase of the pandemic? Do you have a photo from meeting your grandchildren for the first time since the start of the pandemic? We want to share your stories and photos of the best moments from this time.
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Let us know how you’re celebrating in the Boston.com survey below or e-mail [email protected], and we’ll include your responses to this article.
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