It is a strange time, this Covid season.  The unknowns about the virus and uncertainty of how long this season will last is causing a great deal of anxiety. Then there is the psychological impact of missed hugs and missed conversations in person. Many folks are in the winter season of their lives, lonely and isolated, away from loved ones.

The way I see it – We can either grumble or be grateful. We can either get angry and bitter or stay calm. We can either get caught up in the turmoil or help others in need. We can either complain or be kind and caring.

The Serenity Prayer: To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.

It was an interesting and insightful task to transcribe my dad’s diary, which he began when he was just 18 years old. He was the oldest of 9, so had the responsibility of life on the farm early on. Because of this, in the diary he seems older than 18. He kept the diary up for 3 years. It was sobering for me to read through the tough times he experienced. Through it all, he did not complain, just accepted the way things were. I recall dad jumping directly from the problem at hand to the solution without wasting time or energy bemoaning the situation. Reading the diary added depth to my understanding of dad, and also validated who I already knew he was.