Marking our progress on the calendar

It is understandable that we want to look to the future. But sometimes it is also worthwhile to look back. We want to look ahead, to a day when things return to normal, and many want that day to be now. As of now, the target date for reopening Wisconsin for business is May 26. That is assuming we see an increase in testing and a decline in positive cases. That may be a way off, to those weary from our lockdown. But tomorrow is already the first of May. We will see some return to normal with the opening of Wisconsin’s golf courses, as well as businesses deemed non-essential, albeit with some new ways of doing business. Many of our state parks are to reopen, and we can again rent boats and kayaks. This is progress. And every day, with good social distancing, we are getting closer to being able to return to the way things were. If the numbers allow, bars and restaurants could be allowed to reopen soon, with limited patronage and greater distance between people. For business owners and their customers, those will be happier days. So let’s not lose track of how far we’ve come. Our long April is nearly behind us. We haven’t crossed the finish line yet, but it may finally be within sight.