Our Life and Times

A few days ago it was raining, cold and windy. The whistling of the winds reminded me of the book/movie Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. It is based on a wild, passionate story of intense love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, a boy adopted by Catherine's father. 

The English moors were dark, windy, cold, and appeared sinister. An interesting read if you get the chance.

It has gotten darker in my part of the universe in recent weeks. The world is so much quieter this year. Covid-19 has thrown a huge monkey wrench into the plans of mice and men.

Some folks are frightened while others still believe this pandemic is based on a hoax. 

Take it from those of us who have had COVID-19 and/or lost a loved one to it.

This is REAL!

So many have personally lost so much. And collectively the world has lost its innocence and its sense of invincibility. 

We have never experienced a time such as this and many of us do not know what to do. Many refuse to adhere to the recommendations to help save lives and continue to go about living life unawares.

At a time we should be showing more love, discord seems to be the dominant force. Why does it seem as if we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? Are we growing as a living being or just regressing back to when our society was not ruled by law and order. 

Lawlessness seems to be the order of the say, therefore we must continue to pray for peace.

Spring and summer have given rise to fall as we continue to grapple with our new normal.

The children have had a hard year being locked mostly inside unable to attend school and freely play with friends. So many changes for them to grapple with, it seems as soon as they are used to one thing, another change occurs. 

They have lost so much precious time and we continuously pray that our love, their youth, and adaptability will empower them with resilience to make it through. 

Some of the challenges faced by the children are

Change in routine - the inability to socialize with peers and some family.

Distance learning - schooling via Zoom and google classroom. Kids have to take more initiative and parents have become substitute teachers. 

Missing significant life events - holidays, birthdays, parks, and other recreation activities. 

Loss of security - children understand the threat of death due to a disease and may experience fear. Some are old enough to understand what they see and hear on the news.

Let us continue to encourage our children and engage with them to help keep a stable mental balance. 

According to Mental Health America (MHA),1 in 5 Americans will have a diagnosable mental health condition. Approximately 46 percent will meet the criteria to be diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Mental health issues are on the rise. Those who were struggling before are now in dire straits. While new diagnoses are made every day.

The elderly and the homebound have also witnessed a season unlike any other. Imagine the only contact with your family is through a window. 

Heartbreaking!

The loss of human interaction, closeness, touch, and camaraderie will give rise to many current and future ills.

The way we see life and our planet is forever altered. Our world has shifted on its axis and many souls have transitioned.

As fall and winter settle in many will feel isolated in an even deeper way. 

This morning I arose early and usually, I cannot wait to leave the warm confines of my bed for my online platforms. But today I remain in place. Snuggled in the warmth of my blanket listening to the sounds of my sleeping child. My sleeping buddy!

Soon he will awaken for his online school in these abnormal times. No walking to school with friends. No noisy peals of laughter parts the chill air. 

Just the noise of silence. 

Even the animals seem quieter this year. They sense the shift, something not quite right this year.

I remembered to thank God for my life and many blessings.

Be safe, be well!

God bless us all!