Despite COVID-19 mostly disappearing from daily conversation, it hasn't disappeared from daily life. And it turns out many of our readers still want to talk about it.

Why it matters: The pandemic was both universal and deeply personal. Discussing our experiences can help us process what happened and learn from it.

Catch up quick: We heard from many of you after publishing a story Wednesday explaining why, as a society, we don't talk about COVID much anymore.

• When reflecting on the before-and-after, you described serious hardships: deaths, isolation, health complications, job losses and other major life changes.
• And many expressed concerns about how deeply the experience has divided us.

What they're saying: "My wife and I lost friends and relatives to COVID, so grief colors our recollections of that time," reader Ed S. writes.

• "I also feel that we lost an opportunity to promote solidarity across the country when we let politicians use the pandemic to turn us against one another."

Between the lines: Responses suggested an underlying tension — balancing a collective urge to move on with a lingering sense that you shouldn't.

Case in point: Many are currently ill or recovering from COVID.

• Loretta H. says she's "very fortunate to have survived" after spending six weeks recovering from a recent infection.

By the numbers: The virus has hospitalized over 11,000 Ohioans this season, according to state data.

• Meanwhile, long COVID continues to cause disabling symptoms that aren't well understood, affecting well over 1 million Ohioans as of a 2024 census survey.
• Updated CDC estimates are expected later this year.

The other side: Some readers did share unexpected positives, like more time spent with loved ones, shifting priorities, better jobs and scientific breakthroughs.

• "I am happier and healthier, mentally and physically, being employed remotely," writes reader Kate E., who discovered that only after losing her office job.

The bottom line: "Some of my friends look back on the pandemic almost with a sense of nostalgia. They remember it as cozy and quiet and the same thing every day," one reader says.

• "I cannot fathom how anyone can look back on this time and feel anything but relief that we've moved on. It was deadly, frightening, disruptive and divisive."

We appreciate everyone who shared personal stories.

Zoom in: We've compiled more of them here to keep the conversation going.

Jasmine H., a nurse, saw the pandemic firsthand.

• "I remember sitting with families while withdrawing life support during the holidays, all while people outside called it a 'hoax.'"
• "It changed how I view collective empathy. It was sobering to see 'preparedness' discarded for political identity."

Malissa H. was pregnant.

• She took time off work to care for her two young daughters.
• "Even though the world felt chaotic and uncertain, I found comfort in being home safely with my family."

Cara S., a music teacher, pivoted to online classes.

• Her district "got computers to every family and free internet routers to every family in need."
• "A community came together in ways nobody envisioned."

Tara G. has long COVID.

• "I lost 30 years of memories and learned job skills and today remain unable to live as I once did."
• "I am grateful to still be working from home — many of my fellow long-haulers are unemployed."

Doug E. is concerned about misinformation.

• It "leaves us open to a catastrophic pandemic in the future and to a resurgence of diseases … and is so sad for the front-line health workers."

Christina D. fears "we've lost most of the good things we learned."

• That includes "actually trying to not get ourselves and others sick, to including vulnerable and disabled people in everyday life."

More reflections

🌿 An effort to repeal Ohio's intoxicating hemp ban with a November vote fell short, meaning the law goes into effect today. (Signal Ohio)

🐕 Avery's Law also takes effect today, strengthening restrictions on dangerous dogs.

• It's named for a Columbus girl severely injured in a 2024 attack. (Dispatch)

🎙️ Former Gov. John Kasich created JobsOhio, the state's private economic development corporation, in 2011.

• Now he's accusing it of "mission drift" in light of its ties to former OSU president Ted Carter's resignation. (Cleveland.com)

🍕 Mikey's Late Night Slice will return to Grandview later this year. (WSYX-TV)

Spring has sprung and Easter is just around the corner — it's the perfect time to go behind the scenes and see how all those delicious treats are made.

🍫 Our pick: Anthony-Thomas Candy Company's Easter open house.

Zoom in: Thousands of guests are expected to hop over to the local chocolate factory's biggest annual event to enjoy tours, free samples, special sales and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Stop by: 9am-3pm tomorrow, 1777 Arlingate Lane. Free!

What else is happening:

🍍 Dublin's Abbey Theater is going down to Bikini Bottom with a rendition of "The SpongeBob Musical" today and tomorrow.

🎷 The Columbus Jazz Orchestra honors the women of jazz all weekend long at the Southern Theatre.

🏒 The Blue Jackets continue their playoff push tomorrow night against Seattle.

🕹️ The Columbus Toy and Game Show is at the Ohio Expo Center's Lausche Building Sunday, featuring hundreds of vendors, free arcade games and celebrity appearances.

Ohio State men's basketball's first March Madness trip in four years ended early.

Driving the news: The No. 8 Buckeyes lost 66-64 to No. 9 TCU in a dramatic, back-and-forth opening game of the tournament yesterday.

Catch up quick: Down 15 at the half, OSU stormed back to take a late lead.

• But the Buckeyes couldn't answer a TCU bucket with just four seconds left, settling for an unsuccessful half-court heave from Bruce Thornton in his final game.

What we're watching: The women, with higher expectations and a No. 3 seed, start their tournament against No. 14 Howard at home tomorrow at 11:30am. Tickets start at $28.