You can’t take it with you.

There’s a radio station I listen to from back home in Minnesota. The GOAT (Greatest of all time) WXYG. As they say on the air often “located in the red house that rocks”.

Back in high school I dated a couple of girls, one when I was a junior, the other when I was a senior, who lived very close by.

Nowadays my old friend, Al Neff, is the program director and main DJ. The music is really good, very few commercials as well. I do however get a kick over the local advertising for car dealerships, German food restaurants and the weather report.

But there is a Covid-19 public service announcement where people are encouraged to get the vaccine so ”we can get back to this (sound of people at a ballpark), this (sound of people at a restaurant) and this (sound of people boarding a plane).

So we can get back to normal.

Here’s the thing.

There is no going back.

Maybe we’ll be able to take a few things with us from before. Most of it though, for a lot of us, will be left behind.

To attempt to hold onto what we had is a mistake.

Let it go.

Things have changed too much, Patterns and habits have evolved.

Sporting events are being cancelled, players unable to take part due to Covid-19 protocols, fans unable to attend matches.

Bar and restaurants, youth hostels, hotels and so forth. Places that have been closed or running at extremely reduced capacity for the last two years. Venues that have survived are having trouble finding staff, Not only because of the “great resignation” or unemployment benefits that pay well enough to not work. And don’t forget to mention the very genuine, real and totally understandable fear of catching Covid-19.

Another big reason is that people who have worked in the hospitality industry for years are now hesitant to go back to work in a place and industry that could be shut down again on a moment’s notice. Maybe due to a workplace outbreak, another lockdown, curfew or one of so many unforeseen possibilities.

They’ve moved on. Moved on with great memories of wonderful friends on crazy nights but they’ve moved on.

And in seeing what has happened not a lot of people are going to move in and take their place. They know that the work could end quickly so they’re looking for something else.

Travel is very hit and miss. Flight crews unable to work. Schedules changed, flights cancelled. People stranded far from home. Quarantine requirements required upon return.

Perhaps my perspective is slightly skewed and limited. Where I live in Amsterdam the third nationwide lockdown is in full swing. Everything is closed, other than “essential businesses”.

They’re all “essential” though. Every damn one of them, and they’re being wiped out.

For a lot of people it’s all over (for now). Some of what was lost can be found again, but only if we move forward.

Leave it behind, her, him, them…all of it.

If you can’t take it with you, don’t.

Cherish the memory if you can.

Wipe it away if it hurts to much

It may come back.

But it’s not something you bring with you from before.

It’s waiting for you up ahead.