Amongst my family, friends, and folks that I keep in touch with via emails and FB and the like, it seems quite clear that everyone has a lot on their plate right now. If there was any doubt, a glance at the news confirms it. The top stories are many: the dreaded Corona virus plague, loss of jobs and wages, deadly tornadoes, and more deadly tornadoes.

In the midst of all of this, there are some happy bits of news as well. Yesterday I learned of newly expectant parents who have just shared their happy news. A favorite restaurant posted on FB yesterday that they got to provide lunch today for all the staff at our local hospital. Blessings!

Over the last days, there have been videos of amazing virtual events: choirs, bands, friends– shared on the internet. I was invited (and accepted) an invitation to join in that excitement on Easter evening when I had a virtual dinner with my daughter’s family, who lives many states away. What fun! I set my table with my best china and enjoyed getting to chat with family throughout the meal. Although, on the downside, they did have a much better dessert than me! My daughter is an expert maker of pies. They look gorgeous in addition to tasting delicious. But alas, virtual pie isn’t nearly as tasty as real pie. Such is life.

Although I am an Ohio native and moved back to Ohio at my husband’s suggestion in 2018, I had previously lived elsewhere for 36 years. I went to Grad school in Pennsylvania; I lived in New Haven, Connecticut, and then I lived in South Carolina for the next 24 years. Finally, I lived in Arizona for six years. Living in Ohio again is a blessing in many ways, but many of my closest friends live far away, and making new friends in my new town has been slow.

My husband and I took two major road trips this last year, in the summer to the Carolinas, and in November to Arizona. Now a few invitations have been issued to visit family and close friends in Tennessee, Georgia, and North and South Carolina.

These tempt me because being with good friends is a comfort. Frankly, I don’t see how I could manage that this year, even if the Corona plague leaves us in peace. But it warms my heart that friends and family have reached out to me. I will do my best to make such a trip within the next year.

Back in my regular, un-virtual world, things are still pretty hard. My emotions are raw, and I am short on sleep. I disgraced myself twice yesterday by lashing out at people—the worst time by swearing and hanging up the phone on someone I love very much.

Nothing about the situation I find myself in is normal to me. Yesterday afternoon I received a call from the funeral home, telling me that Ron’s death certificates have been signed. Today, I received a call from his primary care doctor’s nurse checking in regarding his recent medical events. It was quite clear that they had not been told of his death. So I talked to Sandy, his doctor’s nurse telling her what had happened. Then, during breakfast, I got to call the VA headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, to notify them of his death and to cancel all of Ron’s future appointments, up through September of 2021.

In my husband’s obituary, which he wrote years ago, he requested that rather than sending flowers, he would ask that memorials be sent to any of four charities that were important to him. I have recently learned that all four of those organizations have received donations in Ron’s memory. That would make Ron happy, and it certainly makes me happy. So I keep writing thank you notes.

I thank you, my readers,  for reading, following, sharing, and liking my blog posts. But I would ask for one more thing: Please says some prayers for me, along with all the many people who are struggling right now. We are an Easter people, but it helps to know that prayers are flowing.

Christ is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Christos Anesti!
Alithos Anesti!