By JoEllen Collins
Perhaps it is the sun, or perhaps it is just being able to finally get out and around the people I care for, but I am feeling rather chipper this week. At the same time, I am very aware of the sadness that has visited me and our community and families. This will be a summer of mourning, of honoring and saying goodbye to the many people we know who have left us, through COVID or other ravages.
I am off as I write this to a celebratory garden “party” in Southern California commemorating the vibrant spirit of my cousin’s wife. She lived a long and lovely life, and so it is not as hard to bid her farewell as if her life had been cut short. However, of course it is always sad to realize that we won’t have that person again in our lives.
Many other memorials due to the delays caused by the pandemic are now about to be offered. Usually, I would fear them because I cry easily and talk too much, but I am actually very ready to fly for the L.A. services this weekend. I feel strongly about the family giving the fete. My cousin’s father, my “Uncle Doc” (their last name is Docter), was a second father to me. When his son asked me to write my remembrances of Doc, I agreed to do so because, as I have grown older, I have understood how much he helped in forming my personality and beliefs. I loved this meaningful trip down memory lane, something positive amidst the grief. I will give this record to my cousin, along with a few old photos that capture my uncle’s influence. I also will visit with many members of this large family after many years of physical distance from them. So, all is OK.
In contrast to the sadness, several things have happened to me lately because of the goodness of my neighbors. A woman friend of about my same age and I were out to dinner. When the bill came, the server said that a gentleman at a nearby table had paid it. When we went over to thank him and his daughter, we asked why he was so nice to do this. He said that he saw us enjoying ourselves and told his daughter, “I hope that when I am their age, someone will treat me to a dinner.” Generosity!
A few days ago I went to the dog park out Warm Springs with a friend, and her dog found a place to “hide” and wouldn’t come out. After a long time of offering treats and jumping over barriers, I noticed a family across the river watching us. Shortly, they crossed the bridge and, after their daughter—a self-titled “dog-whisperer”—used her charms, the pup accepted the leash. What a selfless action. Kindness!
Finally, Caritas Chorale is rehearsing again, and I can experience the shared pleasure of singing with others. Joy!
This is also a summer of gratitude.