The importance of community, both local and global
I suppose I should start today's post with an update: G got to the cardiologist on time (roads were not an issue for where he needed to be), and he's been cleared for the surgery on Monday. So, it appears we are on track, at least on that front. Still nothing from the short-term disability people (no surprise), and the hospital bills keep showing up (also no surprise), but yeah, the situation is what it is. With Meg's help, we will manage the physical aspects, and we will just keep plugging at the rest.
Meg, Tim, and Holly are at the beach on a much-needed overnight respite, and Holly is loving the ocean. I wish so much that I/we could be there, too, but we had a video chat this morning and there's been lots of pictures. It's been super quiet around here with the Tiny Tornado not in residence. Not that it is a bad thing; everyone needs a breather to re-set. It ain't over, all of the "it"-- and we'll need our mental, physical, and emotional strength to keep moving forward.
The newspaper and Facebook have been inundated (I almost said "flooded") with photos and stories of all that has been damaged and lost due to the extreme weather events. My heart hurts when I see roads that I have depended on for years washed away, stores and restaurants gone, homes damaged or completely lost. I know people whose lives have been shoved off course in a matter of just a few hours, and I wish I could do a whole lot more. Communities have come together to offer time, treasure, and talent-- I have words, so I'm posting and reposting what I can to bring the message to a wider audience. If you know of someone from the NEK, or if you have a means to help, there are many places to sign up to volunteer. There are Go Fund Me sites for individual families that need immediate relief. Our history teacher from high school (G and me) has lost his home of 50 years; there's nothing that can be done to put the house back on its foundation and it's a total loss. He and his wife are 77 years old, and they literally have no home. This story, and many like it, are hurting my heart. Money will help them physically, but how do you grieve a shared lifetime lost?
On a more positive note, there is no rain in the forecast today. Amen. I hope to mow the front yard (that's about all I can do, and the back yard is looking like a jungle, but it's just grass-- we are keeping it in perspective). I need to get groceries (the fridge is nearly empty). And, if the heat/humidity hold on, I might hit up the pool on my own for a few quiet moments. The forecast for the next week or so is iffy, and temps are supposed to be in the low-mid 70s. Probably that's just as well, if G is going to be recovering from his foot surgery and I am going to be sequestered in the front room at my desk.
And on a national positive note, the Biden administration, with a cohort of allies, has effected a major prisoner swap with Russia. No money or reduction in sanctions needed or given. He has always been a quietly persistent negotiator, and his statecraft and diplomacy are hallmarks of his long career and his love of country. While it does not affect me personally, I am glad to see this come about. This is what a president does, at least one of the things. Working with allies, keeping a tight focus on human beings and their well-being, and listening/negotiating are all skills and habits that we need from our leaders.
Of course, JD Vance claims (quite wrongly) Trump achieved all this. Trump has said over and over again that Putin would only release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich for him and him alone. Guess not, eh?
After the announcement from the White House, a reporter noted that Trump “has said repeatedly that he could have gotten the hostages out without giving anything in exchange,” and asked President Biden: “What do you say to that?”
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for stopping by!