Wishing you could help cheer up struggling family and friends but not sure how?
Consider the words of Ina D. Ogdon's 1913 poem (now in public domain).
"Brighten the Corner Where You Are"
I live on a corner lot in a quiet cul-de-sac. People walk and drive by from three directions. We wave and call greetings. Ever since the pandemic began, families have searched for ways to help keep spirits up, even though we are grounded. It began with one family leaving plastic bags with colored paper hearts on doorsteps with notes asking that we put them in our front windows. Now, months later, the windows still display the cut-outs that represent the heart of our neighborhood.
Encouraged by the thoughtfulness, families added signs or pictures. Small seasonal arrangements, etc. Christmas decorations added color from before Thanksgiving until this last week.
When I took mine down, I searched for something to let my neighbors know I care. Some time ago, my niece gave me a gorgeous set of large, polished blocks that spelled out B L E S S I N G S in letters large enough to be seen from the street. What a great way to say, "Sorry that I can't invite you in, but I am thinking about you."
One of the hardest things about being grounded was not seeing others than my neighbors. One day last summer, four of my writers' critique group showed up wearing masks. We grabbed lawn chairs and sat in my wide driveway, about 10 feet apart. Now, after they walk trails near my home on Thursday mornings, at least one usually stops by. Rainy weather meant moving into my double garage. If necessary, I park my car in the driveway.
So far, we have been able to meet each week. At 40 degrees, we dress like Abominable Snow Women, wrap in fleece "blankies," and stay a safe distance apart. Another former student and dear friend comes on Friday, also masked and bundled.
Desperate times not only call for desperate measures, but for creativity. New ways to get past what we cannot change, but still observe the strictest precautions to ensure our health and safety.
Do you have a window begging to be decorated? Go for it! Both you and passersby can find joy in the simplest things. 💖💖💖
8 comments:
Good post. Good reminders. It has been very difficult to get into your site, but I managed it today--obviously (: Love the photo of you next to the "blessings" blocks.
Thanks, Judy. Sandy took both pictures on Thursday. Glad you could access site. Not sure why sometimes it is a problem.
Lovely blog post. Thank you for opening your garage for the group. You've saved us all from loneliness and been a good friend.
I appreciate your comment, Sandy--and your taking the photos for me! Yes, the garage has been and continues to be a real blessing. Who would have thought! GRIN.
Just reading your post made me smile. BIG HUGS to you, Colleen.
Thanks, Marge. It is so rewarding knowing that Reece's Ramblings' posts are brightening the corner of the world where I live.
Colleen, our weekly walks on the trails at the college and a visit afterward in your open garage have made my week a lot more bearable. I can't always go, but when I do, I feel much better that day. Diane
It has worked out so well, Diane. Just hoping weather will permit us to continue. Being ale to visit other than by email or over the phone is so special and needed.
Post a Comment