Today we took an hour’s drive to Didsbury to do a drop-off and a pick-up. Last year at this time we looked forward to having our Didsbury friends in our home, between Christmas and New Years, to share lunch with us. Last year, during that lunch, we talked and laughed until our cheeks hurt. This year we drove up to their house, put on our masks, opened the trunk, got out the box, walked up the sidewalk, exchanged the box we had for them for the bag they had for us, stepped back beyond 6 feet, exchanged a few sentences, smiled behind our masks, mimed hugs, wished each other Merry Christmas, got back in the car and drove home. It was a good day and, at the end of it, I’m happy and content. I have so many good people in my life and every pandemic has an end.
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| Late afternoon driving home |
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Preparing for a remote church service
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| Plastic barriers and masks |
I’m not always content. Last week I was angry, irritated, and despairing. Those days pass and with increased perspective, I’ve been looking back on all the excitement and craziness that Christmas preparations usually bring. So often at this time of year I have raced the clock, to get the shopping done, gifts made and wrapped, food made for the numerous parties. It’s always been an enjoyable whirlwind and, this year, things are different. I’m sitting back, taking time, enjoying the quiet. I have gifts to make and some folks may end up getting IOU’s. I have food; I have shelter; I have friends; and I have the ability to connect with those friends remotely. We aren’t able to hug and Zoom is exhausting in its own way, but it’s so nice to see people smile, to laugh with them, even if it is on a screen. We can share photos too, easily and quickly so instead of going on with words, I’ll leave you with images of this unusual holiday season. May you be safe and warmed by the knowledge that we are important to each other.
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| So many lights |
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