Jean Wegner, artist
It’s been a while. This week’s excuse: the elections. It seems my brain and the thoughts it generates were immobilized. I couldn’t stand the thought of another four years of this chaotic presidency.
On Saturday we got the good news. Joe Biden won. And still I couldn’t relax. Could this be true? Can I trust it?
So, dear reader, that is why I have not written in a while. I have been too preoccupied to find any joy in the time of Covid. But it’s true, I can breathe a sigh of relief and finally get back to life, such as it is.
The day before the election, my mother, turned 90 years old! Three years ago, my dad turned 90, and we threw a big party for him. Alas, this was not to be for my mother. Covid has robbed us all of so many things, both big and small.
So, we did what we could do. My dad bought cupcakes, and everyone in her assisted living unit sang “Happy Birthday”. The daughters sent flowers. Lots and lots of people sent birthday cards. And the kind people at her assisted living facility recorded and downloaded birthday greetings from her many friends, so that my dad could show them to Mom on his laptop.
Mom called the next day, Election Day, when I was all in a lather about the results. She said, “I am on cloud nine!”, which is a pretty significant thing to say when you are living in isolation in an assisted living facility.
So, this week’s delight: bringing my mother happiness during this time of Covid. Also, knowing there are so many people out there who love my mom, and are willing to let her know. Finally, knowing that there can indeed be joy even when I am too preoccupied to notice it.