Torn apart by politics
A sad story in the New York Times about families torn apart by politics. In the excerpt below, the emphasis is mine.
“Will relationships heal now that Mr. Trump is no longer president? Nearly everyone interviewed for this article who had experienced a falling out said they did not think so — at least not immediately. Estelle Moore, a retired flight attendant in East Stroudsburg, Pa., said it was as if we had seen things in each other that we weren’t supposed to. But now that we had, we could not un-see them.”
This is the reason I choose not to discuss politics (and religion). Was going to add this to previous post but this deserves it’s own.
Trump nine months ago
The First Thanksgiving
Americans revive spirit of first Thanksgiving by carrying disease to new areas
“I was watching a PBS special about the Pilgrims,” one American said, “and they spent their entire first winter in Massachusetts before Thanksgiving just watching their family members die. They carried them out to the woods, propped them up against trees and left them there to give the illusion that the settlement was guarded. That wasn’t something we incorporated into our Thanksgiving before, but it’s never too late to start a new tradition.”
From a delightful piece in the Washington Post. Behind their pay-wall, I think. But here’s the link.
I like pumpkin pie as well as the next guy but let’s face it: Thanksgiving –and Xmas for that matter– are made-up holidays. Like Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day and all the rest. Mostly about selling stuff. So putting family at risk for some cranberry sauce? Just selfish. I’ll celebrate “thanksgiving” on the day people start getting vaccinated.
It’s a mystery (Shakespeare In Love)
The Universe knows what it’s doing. I mostly find it true. My favorite cinematic example is from Shakespeare In Love.
Balloon Bouquet
Barb has been scratching her creative itch by making balloon…things for her nieces and nephews. And balloon bouquets (above) for a couple of friends.
On not wanting children
From a 2016 essay (My Biological Clock Can’t Tick Fast Enough) by Sari Botton:
“People sometimes commend me on how “brave” it was for us to not have children. I laugh, because to my mind, I arrived at it in just about the most cowardly way: I lucked into childlessness (if having a defective uterus can be considered luck). Deep down I didn’t want to have children, but I kept limping toward motherhood anyway, because I thought I should want them until, in the end, my anatomy dictated my destiny.”
Instashield
I’ve long admired the face shield worn by Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. So I ordered a couple for Barb and me. I like this model because it slips onto the bill of a cap which makes it easy to wear.
More and more health care pros are recommending eye protection for indoor situations and while Barb and I have been able to avoid being indoors, a situation might come up where it’s unavoidable. We would, of course, be masked behind the shield. Ounce of prevention = pound of cure.
The Great Disappointment
We don’t argue with Alzheimer’s patients
Several years ago I started wearing a little button that read NO POLITICS, NO RELIGION. I consider myself a spiritual person but have no use for organized religion. And, in my experience, there was no such thing as a “religious discussion.” This is just an opportunity for the Believer to persuade you to become a Believer, too. I know you mean well, but no thanks.
Political “discussions” are equally bogus. A pointless exercise in which one person tries to convince the other person they are “wrong.” Ever heard of that happening? Neither have I.
As Trumpism has infected our country, I’ve struggled with how to feel about acquaintances who worship the man. Should I “unfriend” them? Pretend I don’t find their positions offensive? Feels intellectually dishonest. This morning I think I’ve found a way I can live with.
My late father spent the last few years of his life in a nursing home, suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. As the disease progressed he became belligerent and — on a couple of occasions — violent. Punched his roommate who had to be moved to a different room.
Anyone who’s been through this experience knows you don’t have a discussion with your loved one. Like Elvis, your loved one has left the building.
The next time someone I know starts with the crazy Trump shit I’ll remind myself they can’t help it. You don’t “get over” Alzheimer’s Disease and you don’t get over Trumpism.
I salute President Biden’s pledge to be a president for all Americans, whether they voted for him or not. But it will be palliative care. We’ll never be “one nation” if, in fact, we ever were. But an effective, caring government can take care of everyone.