Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
2021 has dawned, and with it comes the promise of new beginnings. Of course, most of us would like to see an end—to this awful pandemic that has us in its grips.
A vaccine means the end could be in sight, but it remains to be seen if enough people will get the vaccine, and if it’s effective enough for us to be able to again enjoy going out for meals, being able to spend time with those we have missed so much, and most of all to HUG.
Yes, this social distancing has taken a toll on a lot of us. Before Covid hit The Retreat Nursing Home I expressed my concern that those residents may die of loneliness. Now, unfortunately, many are dying as a result of Covid.
Togetherness has not been a catch-word for 2020, that’s for sure. I’ve been lucky. We’ve had a few family gatherings, even one at a restaurant, and so far, so good. Emily did have Covid…probably caught it at work in the emergency department at Piedmont Athens. But, she had a light case, and is back good as ever (except she still doesn’t have her taste and smell back).
The rest of us have managed to avoid it, so far. We take our vitamins and practice social distancing, hand washing and wear a mask in public. But I don’t wear a mask at work generally. And, we don’t have a lot of people in here, but it’s a risk.
Back to the beginning of a new year…this is a time many of us assess where we are and where we want to go. Many make resolutions. This year snuck up on me, I guess. I haven’t even assessed my situation, and certainly haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions.
Of course, each day I aim to take better care of myself, be healthier, change my ways. Change is hard. Jimmy and I both need to lose weight, but it takes a lot of effort. Especially when we’ve had these eating habits FOREVER.
I aim to do a better job of sending cards and letters. So far I haven’t improved, but I keep thinking I will.
I did accomplish one thing good recently. With Emily’s help, we turned the junk room at my house into a nursery. Emily is able to encourage me to toss things that I no longer need, but realizes I’m not ready to part with everything. But it does feel really good to be able to walk in that room (I actually vacuumed the floor), and not have to step over stuff that I don’t even need.
I have lots of memories from my daddy. He had boxes of newspapers and newspaper articles he saved. I’m still saving many of them. The newspapers are major ones, like when President Kennedy was assassinated. The clips, I’m not so sure, but am certain the day will come I’ll have time and inclination to look through the box.
The real issue is pictures. What do you do with all those pictures you’ve accumulated over the last 60 or so years?
One time I started trying to sort them by family so the persons it means the most to will have it forever. I didn’t get far. I may just leave those for the children to go through when we’re gone. Emily will throw a bunch away. Hannah will want to hold onto a lot.
You see, this world has tossers and keepers. Jimmy and I are both keepers. That makes for a mess. But, with Emily’s encouragement, I’m making progress. I’m energized now and want to clean more. (I even cleaned the top of the refrigerator. Boy, was it gross!)
I’m afraid Emily’s baby will get here before we work our way to the basement, but talk about a space that needs cleaning!
Of course, I can tell you Jimmy could get rid of a lot. And he would say the same about me. Funny how that works. Unfortunately, I have not yet motivated him to clean out, clear out, sort through and get rid of. He’s been retired nearly two years, and has made no progress…that’s when I’m hoping to make progres when I retire. Now I’m at work pretty much all day every week day, leaving not a lot of time for cleaning out.
But, it is refreshing to accomplish what I have, and exciting to think of what more I can accomplish. Emily really wants me to do it now…not leave it for her and her sister and step-siblings to process after we’re gone. I think that would be good of us. Wish us luck!