It’s incredible to reflect on how much the world has changed. Just over a year ago, I was commuting on the Tube to my new City law firm job, dressed like a true City lawyer and not wearing a mask. There were murmurs on the news about a mysterious virus in China, but no one could’ve predicted the wild ride that 2020 would become.
And even now, as we remain on this unpredictable rollercoaster, I think back to one of the hardest decisions I made during the pandemic: flying across the Atlantic to attend my best friend’s wedding and see my family. A year earlier, that kind of trip wouldn’t have caused a flicker of doubt. But in 2020, it came with a wave of anxiety.
The Anxiety
Earlier in the year, I received a beautifully curated gift box from my college best friend, asking me to be her Maid of Honor. I was over the moon—not just for the honour, but at the thought of reuniting with friends and celebrating something joyful in such a challenging year.
Then the pandemic hit. Suddenly, what should have been a happy and straightforward decision became a difficult, emotional dilemma. In my Autumn-Winter Digest, I shared just how conflicted I was. I had so many questions:
What if I can’t return to the UK? What if I unknowingly bring Covid to my loved ones? Is it safe to fly? Is it responsible to go at all?
After weighing everything, I decided to go. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was also the chance to see my family for the first time since December 2019. That felt essential during a global crisis.
I took all the precautions I could. I booked a seat in the back of the plane, far from others. I wore a double mask, packed disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser, and ate before the flight so I wouldn’t need to remove my mask. The plane was nearly empty, and I felt as safe as I could under the circumstances.
The Family
Landing in Virginia felt surreal. My dad picked me up, and I hesitated before hugging him. I waited until I got home, showered, and changed before letting myself relax.
Being home in October was a gift. The trees were turning, the air was crisp, and the atmosphere was comforting. We had bonfires, cooked meals together, and enjoyed the simplicity of home life.
My youngest brother, Connor, and I took a day trip to Harper’s Ferry, a small historic town where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. I’ve been there before, but it never gets old—the scenery is always spectacular.
We also went on several nature trips as a family. We hiked in Shenandoah National Park and explored trails in western Virginia. The colours of the season were breathtaking and reaffirmed my love for autumn.
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald
Evenings were spent enjoying home comforts, like our indulgent Fondue Night with cheese fondue for dinner and chocolate for dessert.
The Wedding
To get to Ohio, I rode with a bridesmaid friend and her boyfriend, who were driving from DC. After a long day of audiobooks and road trip snacks, we arrived in sunny Columbus.
Seeing my best friend again after so long was incredibly emotional. We caught up over local sandwiches and later joined other out-of-town guests for pizza in the park. That night, I stayed with the bride while her fiancé stayed elsewhere, and we soaked in all the pre-wedding excitement.
The next morning, the bridal party gathered at the Hilton for hair, makeup, mimosas, and pastries. It felt surreal to be doing something that resembled normal life again.
The ceremony and reception were beautiful. One of the bridesmaids who couldn’t attend joined via FaceTime. We all danced, socially distanced and masked, making it feel a bit like a strange Halloween party, but full of joy. My Maid of Honor speech went well, and the night passed in a blur.
After the celebration, I crashed at an Airbnb, completely exhausted. The next morning, I joined friends for breakfast at Skillet, a farm-to-table restaurant with some of the best breakfast dishes I’ve ever had. We then visited the newlyweds to say our goodbyes before hitting the road again.
The Conclusion
Now, in March 2021, still under lockdown and unable to travel, I feel so grateful I made the trip. It meant reconnecting with my family and celebrating a lifelong friendship during a time when joy was rare and precious.
It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one… for my heart, and for the people I love.
Have you managed to see any family over the past year?
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