The new year dawns, bringing with it ever present, ever oppressive, grey skies. Only once or twice are we granted mercy from days that dawn, almost unnoticeably, from black to lighter grey. I had big ideas for this first month of the year. There was going to be music and dancing but this, as so many other plans, had to be cancelled, postponed, moved to an uncertain date in the future when such things are not only possible but also feel safe. I ask around how people manage or even plan for another year of uncertainty. A month at a time, they say. Small highlights dotted throughout the calendar. Connecting with people again seems to be the greatest desire. Though for some, the exhaustion goes deeper, can't simply be overcome by a little hope for a simple plan. For some, the potential to have hope crushed again is too great a burden on top of the weight they already carry.