The trees outside my window are bare. When we moved into this house a few months ago, the leaves were so plentiful I couldn’t see any of the other new houses being built in our subdivision. But now, although the tree trunks create a barrier, it isn’t the same. Then again, the world is not either.
We mourn the many loved ones lost to the pandemic. We mourn the time we’ve lost in sharing the lives of our parents, children, grandchildren, and friends. We mourn the sensation of a hug, whispering in an ear, a simple touch of kindness.
We complain that we are tired – tired of being in the house, tired of being scared when we
go into a public place like the grocery, tired of masks (which we wear because we know they are essential), tired of Zoom/Crowdcast/Free Conference call, etc., and tired of having our grandchildren, nieces, and nephews think we live in a small facetime screen.
We are thankful if our family and friends are healthy, if those we know who become ill get well, that we have Zoom/Crowdcast/Free Conference call, etc. to stay in touch, that there is a vaccine that at some point we might get, and that we know there will come a day when this darkness gives way to light.
All we have left is Hope and Hope is what I am grateful for. Have a Great week and stay safe.
Hope is what is eternal. Thanks for leaving a comment. Stay safe….
Well-said…
Thank you. Be safe.
Stay safe, Debra. Love and hugs.
Same to you….. loved your new picture that you recently posted on Facebook. Looking good!
In many ways, it’s like a missing year.
The question is how many years will we allow to be missed?
Exactly what I have been feeling.
Nice to know we all are in this together…. sharing thoughts and feelings. Makes it so much easier.
My first glimpse of your new house…or the view from there, anyway. LOVE the photo of “Poppy” et al on your newsletter!
Thank you. It was a special moment when I caught her in his lap with her toys and the written word. Can’t wait to really show you the new house.
Well said, I agree with your thoughts. I also Love the water background, too!
Water makes me happy. Thanks for stopping by with your comment. Appreciate your thoughts.
You are fortunate to have such a lovely setting and view. It makes life and getting up each day something to look forward to and enjoy.
Anne,
Thank you. It isn’t more than a few trees that were left to be between the houses, but it makes me happy.
Wonderful words and so true. Hate being scared to go out but thankful for todays technology .,At least we can still see our loved ones. Maybe not the same as hugging them but at least we can see their faces.
Other than the few times we’ve seen the baby, she thinks we live in the iphone. But we are so glad that between pictures and the phone we’ve had the opportunity to see her change during the past year.
It is horrible to be so scared, but at least we have ways to keep in touch. Thanks for stopping by.
Fortunately my grandchildren live across the road, so I can take them for virtual learning every day. They are actually getting ready to go back on a hybrid schedule. I’ll miss them on days they are in school, but a little free time will be nice too!
So many grandparents/parents are saying the same thing. They cherish the time they’ve had with grandchildren/children that they never would have had, but it is a breath of fresh air to have a little free time.
You are lucky your grandchildren live across the road. For us, they are in three different states.
Getting a lot of reading done though, and putting reviews on Goodreads.
I can assure you that authors are most appreciative…. and hopefully you are finding books you are enjoying.
I just never thought all of this would last so long. Being safe has become a habit.
Theresa, I believe it is a habit we will need to continue for a long time.
Truth! Thanks for your blog….
Thank you … I appreciate your comment.
As everything does, this too shall pass and we will all be stronger for it.
It will pass, but things will be different. And yes, we will be stronger for having survived it and for remembering those who didn’t.
I’m a new 80 year old reader and can’t wait to get started on your books! I love the view from your house and it’s wonderful that you have family across the street.
Marilyn,
Welcome to my books. I hope you start the series with One Taste Too Many and zoom through them. They all are available as paperbacks, large print, e-books, and audible.
the view is peaceful.
I decided to reflect on what the quarantine has done for me and this is the first year (March of 2020 until February of 2021) that I remember in a long time in which I didn’t get sick. Every other year I’ve caught the flu or a cold but not this year. So I’m thankful for wearing masks and it is my intention to keep wearing them as it is worth it not to be sick.
what you are saying is exactly why they think the flu season will not be as severe (though Covid more than makes up for it) as usual. Stay safe and stay healthy!
Subscribed. Thank God my family has stayed healthy. Thanks for the chance.
Appreciate your subscription…. May you and your family continue to be safe and healthy.
I watch a beautiful park from my windows. I have to be careful going out as many who exercise their dogs do not wear masks still. But I love the sound of the birds and the dogs who love to play. Many who are disabled have to work remotely or have to live within their walls as much as they can, especially those with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). For those, it is life or death. Now the whole world is in the same boat. So I take gratitude in each day that I see the sun, feel the ocean breeze, and hear the sounds of nature. Life is good when your heart and soul make peace with it all. My best to you all!
I’m glad you have the park. It makes it a peaceful view and extends your home into the community. I hope there will be a day soon that you can go out and not fear those who aren’t wearing masks. (I know it will be a long time before I am comfortable without my mask). Be safe… be well.
At least we have hope and prayer. It makes all of “this” easier to bare.
Agreed… stay safe and healthy. Thanks for stopping by.
I love the way you ended your blog with the positive things we have to look forward to. This too shall pass!!
I am a big believer in looking for the good in people and the good in the present and the future…. that’s why I had to look for the positive, too. It shall pass, but we shall remember.
I am so grateful to my family. I deal with chronic anxiety and depression and not being able to see my children and grandchildren regularly has been so difficult. Now that the vaccine is out there, I’m hoping things will soon turn around again.
I hope you’ve been able to receive the vaccine. Being able to see those you love in the flesh will make such a difference. Chronic anxiety and depression is not something to take lightly… and these times have made it more difficult to cope. I commend you for recognizing the link between what’s going on and how you feel and addressing it. Take care… be safe… be happy.
Your blog really hit home. I haven’t seen my daughter and granddaughter in 15 months – that’s what I miss the most but I’m so grateful my other daughter moved closer to me. Now with the vaccine, I’m hoping that I can see my family soon. And live theater!
I feel the same way about both things you mentioned. Counting down on the vaccine. And live theater… 2 friends and I went to a show shortly after the world partially reopened. It was community theater and they did everything right … social distance seating; limiting entry; limiting the number using the ladies at a time; masking; hand sanitizer; temperature taking…. we walked in and before we even sat down we saw patrons lowering their masks (despite ushers asking them to please put them back on properly)… we ended up in the back row where we could make a quick exit. Last show I saw and one of the last they tried to do.
Hope you hug your granddaughter soon.
What a beautiful sentiment. It sums it all up. I am looking forward to the day when things get back to as close to normal as they used to be.
Thank you, Robyn. Same here….. be safe.
Tired pretty much sums it up.
And now the CDC is implying that the vaccine may only work for 90 days!?
That is what is somewhat frightening. Either way…. I pray that the vaccine works.. and that if it becomes a yearly thing, the organization and distribution works well .. like flu shots.
Be safe
Definitely have hope things will get better. Thanks for the chance!
Glad to give you the chance…. hope is what we all have.
Everything you write is always so beautifully said, Debra. And as you said, we just want good health for our family and friends. I do miss lunches with girlfriends, dinners out with friends and family, traveling and visits to family. But I have had more time for wonderful conversations with family and friends that I cherish and that have made me feel closer to many of them. It is a small blessing that I have enjoyed in this crazy world. When the time comes that we can escape our homes, I hope that I still find time to continue to keep in close touch with those I have reunited with. Stay well, Debra. Love ya.
Gail, You are too kind. I love your viewpoint and reaction to all that has gone on. You have had several blessings .. those you mentioned, the wedding joy despite the craziness associated, etc. I look forward to whenever we can again see other.. And, I hope as you do that we will appreciate the communication and closeness we have opened with others during this time.
We all must work together and cooperate to do what we simply MUST do. The health and welfare of our society is of utmost importance. Prayers to those affected by the pandemic, as you mentioned. Like the old adage says “This too shall pass”. Be safe during this “crazy time of ours.😷
I agree.
Just FYI (and in case it affects giveaway in any way), I wrote the above post on 2/12/2021 around 11:10PM ET…thanks!😊
No problem. I’m leaving it open for a few days before the winner is randomly selected.