Have you wondered what life will be like for you when your coronavirus pandemic anxiety is a thing of the past?

Will you have concerns and be cautious about ever getting into a large crowd again? Or will you pick back up right where you left off when this whole thing started and offer a firm handshake or a good, solid hug?

We are living in a historic time, and how we emerge after the pandemic scare is over will be studied and documented for generations and generations after us.

Remember the stories of family members who came through the Great Depression? Remember how they pinched every penny for the rest of their lives?

Or what about those who lived through World War II on the home front who planted Victory Gardens, rationed supplies, or had their factories converted into war-making operations?

Thinking about how we will emerge intrigues me. I am curious. I really wonder how I am going to adjust — or not — to a post-pandemic world.

One of my personal hopes is that people will emerge from this time of “sheltering in place” and have a new appreciation for others. Instead of the negativity seen way too often on social media sites, a new appreciation for others will emerge, and people will be more tolerant, understanding, and appreciative of others and their opinions — regardless of whether they are the same as yours or not.

A Research America study from March 26 to 29 polled 600 residents across the U.S. about their thoughts regarding the pandemic.

The poll revealed that, while most Americans admitted to a high level of anxiety during this time of crisis, most Americans still held a healthy outlook and perspective about their future.

For instance, 54% said “people will have better appreciation for what’s really important in life” when this all is over.

Hoping for new advancements in medicine was the desire of 52% of the people, while 39% hoped that now people will understand the collective impact we all have on the environment.

Finally, 35% said they hoped people would be more compassionate toward one another.

On Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended her “stay-at-home” order for residents until April 30. The move sparked much debate as to whether it was necessary or not, or whether it was too restrictive. However, if state residents mirror those across the country in this poll, then, generally, the extension probably will be seen as acceptable by most.

In the Research America poll, 69% said they could live with extreme limitations for a month or two if it was the best way to end the pandemic threat. Another 66% said they didn’t care how long restrictions were in place if it prevented widespread illness and death.

I always stress with new reporters that they need to remember they are historians, documenting the region’s history for the timeframe they are working in.

I have worked in this profession for 42 years, and I now understand that, along with the stories on the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, our coverage today of the coronavirus pandemic and how we all were “sheltered” into our homes eventually will be just as important, historically, for future generations.

Part of that documentation will include how we dealt with a major holiday during a sheltering period. It’s hard for me to imagine spending Easter at home on Sunday with just my wife. No children. No grandchildren. No friends in the church pews. No Easter egg hunt outside after the Easter dinner. Instead, Diane and I will sit in front of a computer screen and watch a livestream of the Easter service at our church.

It’s part of the reality of April 2020.

That said, I believe we all are ready to get this period behind us and get on with the rest of our lives.

I know I am.

And once there, I’m anxious to see where the future takes us.

Bill Speer can be reached at 989-354-3111, ext. 311, or bspeer@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @billspeer13.