Like No Other

How can the year 2020 be qualified? It has certainly been interesting, some people say, but I think a better description is that it has been a year like no other in our lifetime. And life will continue to be surprising as we look forward to a new year when the pandemic will surely be conquered. At least that’s the hope we all have that vaccines will do their job.

            The last few months have led us to a Christmas that will be like no other we have experienced. We must continue to be vigilant so we can save lives which will mean celebrations will be much quieter and often away from loved ones. But we can do it. I mean, we have come this far and just a few more weeks will lead us to the light at the end of the tunnel.

            The anti-maskers will continue to defy orders and, as been suggested, those who get the dreaded virus should be relegated to the end of the line when it comes to getting medical care. I agree that it’s probably the only way to go right now. I mean can’t they see the rising number of deaths? Can’t they see that they too can get sick? Let’s hope they come to their senses.

            No matter how each of us marks the end of year celebrations, let’s be mindful of all those who are sick and all those who are grieving. Those of us who have not been touched by the virus should be so very grateful. We have received a great gift that will make the Season special as we enjoy all the decorations people are making a special effort to make especially impressive. They are a bright spot in a year like no other.                

            As I do every year at this time, I am taking a few weeks off from my blog to concentrate on staying in touch with family and friends by writing or by making full use of the video possibilities at our disposal. As long as we can see each other digitally, all is well is it not?

            Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year full of hope to all of you who read my blog. I will be back in January.

 

Writing History

For so many of us the pandemic has meant that our social and group activities have been seriously reduced for some time now. The end result has been more hours spent in and around the house. Many people have used that extra time to do some impressive home renovations or, simply, what I call home adjustments: making better use of space, clearing unwanted clutter, and so forth. All very positive pursuits which have resulted in personal satisfaction according to those I know who have done it.

            For my part, in the last few months I have been spending time writing my memoirs. No, I don’t have any great feats to talk about, like having been the recipient of a Nobel prize, but I wanted my children and grandchildren to know about the experiences of those who have come before them and how life has unfolded in recent decades.

            The more I wrote, the more I realized that some of the events I was writing about were interesting from a historical point of view as well as from a family point of view. I think my grandchildren will be fascinated by the fact that not so long ago people led productive and happy lives without having a phone stuck to them at all times. Then I realized that the number of changes I have seen over the years is simply amazing. So my ongoing writing is not only for my family but also for me. There is satisfaction in knowing how we have progressed. A few decades ago I was the first one in my group to get a computer at home. Of course, it was basically a word processor, but I still remember how fascinated I was that I could simply delete copy with a few key strokes rather than with an eraser as had been the case when using a typewriter, a machine today’s kids may never have seen.

I think that all older people should consider writing about their experiences. Of course, not everyone likes to write, a relative told me recently, so I suggested she simply record her memories; the voice will be an additional personal aspect for her family.

I can attest to the fact that being busy with an interesting project helps reduce the worry about how much longer the pandemic will last. Even in dark days there’s always a light somewhere, is there not?