It has been a sad and challenging year. Longer than a year actually at this point.
The mothers of two friends have died of covid. Two cousins and one cousin's daughter have been infected and recovered.
A friend fell down a flight of stairs and died.
People are getting snippier and nastier all the time. Facebook is my main social outlet these days. And I am noticing that even the slightest comment or question sets people off. Even on the sewing and knitting groups. One group that was just supposed to be about knitting closed down because tempers flared over politics. What does any of that have to do with syarn and knitting?
My daughter's good friend endedup in the hospital with blood clots. My daughter took himto the ER and I am so glad she is such a good person and friend who cares so much. While he was recovering, her friend's father fell ill and died.
I have two friends who are currently fighting cancer. One is newly daignosed and isn't completely sure how bad her cancer is or what the treatment will be. It's not good though. I am not sure if she will be treatable but she should know more in the next few days.
My other friend has been fighting for a long time. Her husband died last year of cancer- not sure what kind. She is constantly writing about her treatments - chemo, radiation-. She said the other day that she is actively dying. She is hoping to hold off for a few months so she can go on a long planned beach vacation with her kids. The doctors told her that they will try but cannot promise anything at this point. Today she posted a picture of herself and her husband saying that this is their wedding anniversary. She said that she will be with him soon. It's sad, but I think for her it is the best positive slant she can put on it.
I am not a millionaire but I am in a position to help a bit. I have chipped in on groceries for the friend who is dying. I have donated to my other friend's go fund me toward medical treatments.
But, much as I want to, I cannot buy them out oftheir illnesses.
I don't pray. I don't have a religion or belief in any deity But somehow I have faith. Faith in the goodness of people. Faith in love and friendship, and caring. Being human is being an intelligent creature, capable of learning about the past and hopeful for the future. But it also makes me feel vulnerable to the feelings of sadness and joy.
We get the Washington Post every weekend. The main reason I want to get the paper is to read the obituaries Morbid? No. Curious and engaging, yes. Some of the death notices are very sad. But more of them are fascinating. I learn about the people who were in life and are no longer. Some include family stories about the person. Pride in what their mother of father or sibling did in life. The meaning and meaningfulness of a person's life. Some even have a touch of humor.
My mother in law wrote her and my father in law's obituaries well before they died. What a good idea. I think about what I would want said about me. How do I want to be remembered ? Hopefully as a very old lady!
To make this month special is the full moon called the Pink Super Moon. It was so full and bright there were photographs of it on the news tonight. Pictures from all over the world!