By Megan Wehring
When Steve Fox and wife Rebekah adopted their sons in 2019, they planned to visit family in Michigan last summer. Then, the pandemic halted their travel.
Once Steve and Rebekah receive their second COVID-19 dose, they said they will feel more comfortable to travel with their sons to visit family in both Arkansas and Michigan.
Families are hoping summer 2021 will bring relief — something that many have been longing for. Many are revisiting vacation spots and neighborhood cookouts, depending on COVID-19 vacations and trends in the area. Restrictions are starting to become more lenient, but families should still put the safety of others first.
“Get your family, especially adult members, vaccinated,” Fox said. “This will reduce your risk. We’ll continue to wear masks in public and not expose family who we know not to be vaccinated. In essence, have fun but don’t let your guard completely down.”
The Fox family is not the only ones being cautious.
Staying home this summer may be the plan for Stephanie Martinez, communication professor at St. Edward’s University, if there is another COVID-19 surge. She is hoping that her family can go on a road trip to Colorado and Ohio, especially after losing a big European vacation last year.
Martinez added that as a professor, she wants relaxation more than anything – starting with her annual book club.
“This year has been hard,” Martinez said. “It has been hard on teachers, parents and students. Every summer we do a book club of sorts. Our daughter read about 20 classics last summer [including] Of Mice and Men, The Call of the Wild and wrote just two page reports on them (she was in eighth grade). It keeps her thinking.”
courtesy photo
Spending quality time with family is top priority for Alicia Hill, Kyle resident.
“Have fun with your kids,” Hill said. “They are only young for a short time and tomorrow is never promised, so savor the family time and cherish the memories made.”
It is difficult to know for certain when the pandemic will end yet many remain optimistic they can still enjoy the summer season.
“I see a light at the end of this tunnel,” Fox said. “I really hope to have that backyard barbecue in Michigan this summer.”
