BY JOELLEN COLLINS
Usually, when I start to write something that takes a bit of discipline, I enjoy a quick word game on my laptop. I rationalized my Scrabble play as, at least, using words. Unfortunately, it took too long to complete, taking over too much of my writing time. I still do crossword puzzles; those can be put aside to work on another time.
Now I have discovered a new way to play with words, and my absorption with this rather short intellectual exercise has become a daily first-coffee, relaxed wake-up time with my dog by my side. It took me longer than I hoped to figure out the mechanics of this Internet game, but an unexpected joy has arisen because of my brief morning effort.
My daughters introduced me to this, and I began with some trepidation because I always feel intimidated by anything new on my computer. The first time I tried and sent off my text showing the result, I received a cute response acknowledging this teeny learning experience. Now my two daughters, my son-in-law, and grandchildren just old enough to enjoy the challenge find a way to communicate each day by texting the results to each other and sometimes making a rueful, funny, or silly comment about our teeny accomplishment.
This rather unimportant daily practice has created an extra warm and sweet connection for our family. There are no lengthy messages to convey, no bad news, and no apologies. We just get to be reminded each day of those we love, albeit in a brief way. It’s an enjoyable, warm, and fuzzy start for each day, a reminder of my good fortune.
I find that, as I age and as the pandemic has created an unhappy distance, I need daily reinforcement of my connections with friends and family. Last week I attended a small get-together of people who share an art form together. I was shocked that I really hadn’t seen or talked to some of the guests for the whole two years since COVID-19 struck. Some have moved, some have been very ill, and the absence of our deceased friends was horribly evident.
I came home happy to have reconnected with my friends but also disturbed that, as I age, I no longer develop friendships with work colleagues and that, with the realities of many disasters taking “my people” away, I no longer have the same makeup of associates. I am working to keep optimistic in this crazy world and must find the joy whenever possible.
Shortly thereafter, I received a call to substitute for a class of very young students. That day gave a good push toward restoring my equanimity and appreciation of what life offers. Being among such precious souls and relating with them to their wonderful teacher, I was happier than I had been for several days. I had found an antidote to loneliness and fear—going to events and activities involving the young. There lies healing energy.