Hasn’t 2020 been some year?!
It started out normally.
I like to observe Family Day on January 25. This year, the Hinds kids were in performances on the 25th, so we got together on the 11th when we played Escape the Crate games. Sort of like an Escape Room only in a box. It is a lot cheaper and you can play anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. (Also, the game can be passed on to be played by another group.). I thought it was a lot of fun and enjoyed seeing my children’s brilliant minds at work.
Despite the family game day, the Hinds performances, and a time or two babysitting, I sadly typically did not spend much time with my family, especially, my grandchildren. We tend to take life for granted and be too busy for some of the most important things. David & Teresa are pretty much on the same Sunday schedule and live close by, so we frequently had Sunday dinner together before Covid. But I did not see my other married children as often. We all were busy with our own obligations and concerns. I took it for granted that we could have time together anytime, we just had to schedule.
And then Covid hit. Suddenly we were practicing social isolation and could not get together with family. Not being able to get together feels a lot different from being busy and not managing it right now. It was sad, but we did not expect it to last long. Everyone was going through the same thing with some people being more cautious and careful than others. I was moderately careful. As the months have gone on, the threat seems to have grown, and Miriam’s health became of greater concern, I have tried to be more careful. And felt the restraints more - like so many other people.
In March we stopped meeting in person at church. First we did home church which for the most part I enjoyed. I have housemates who are not morning people so we had home church at 11 instead of 9. (and sometimes later) Just like when we attend, some meetings were very inspirational and some less so. I did get tired of being responsible for our meetings and gained a better appreciation for our Bishopric, but at least there are 3 of them and they take turns being responsible. Eventually the ward started doing meetings on Zoom, so we are now back to our assigned time for 2020 at 9am and I am not in charge any more (whew!), but I will confess that not everyone is always dressed for church when we attend via Zoom.
I am grateful that we have so many resources to help us study the gospel in addition to the scriptures. Whether we meet in person, study individually, do home church, or meet via the internet, I am grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful Christ was able and willing to be our Savior and Redeemer. I marvel to think of His great love and atoning sacrifice. When I think of what He suffered for me, personally, I am moved to tears and want to live to cause Him as little pain as possible and repay Him by trying to become more the person He wants me to be.
After what seemed like a very long time, but I suppose really wasn’t, I cracked and asked my son in law, Tom, to be project manager to fix my kitchen. Which really meant he did it. We were mostly careful about being covid cautious and he definitely stayed away from Miriam who stays in her room mostly, anyway. A couple of the kids helped him from time to time and Ruth peeked in a couple of times, but we mostly kept a distance. No hugs. :( The project started with the floor. Ten years ago or so the rotten cabinet around the sink and worn out linoleum were replaced. I thought it would last the rest of my life and more, but we had trouble with the floor from the beginning and the cabinets were cheap. The work had been done by volunteers. The job leader, who actually was a professional contractor, did not respond when I told him about the problems with the floor. So things just got worse until the floor was dangerous as well as inconvenient. Tom and the kids took out the bad tile long before covid, so it was safer, but we were walking on some chalk-like under-floor for ages. Life got busy and it sat. After a long time saving and a fortunate windfall, I was finally able to get started. Replacing the floor somehow evolved into also replacing the cabinets. All new strong, lovely cabinets and a beautiful floor (vinyl that looks like wood) which I think actually will last my life time. Tom is a thoughtful, careful worker. Tom and Ruth gave me their old “built in” dishwasher and their old microwave. It is exciting. My kitchen is beautiful, comfortable, and workable. Makes me happy every day.
The last couple of months have been very challenging. Miriam’s health stabilized enough so that she could have surgery on her right foot. The arthritis aspects of her lupus have made her hands and feet very deformed. Is painful for her to stand or walk even briefly. The surgery was to make her foot more normal so that eventually she can stand on it without pain or at least considerably less. We shall see. The recovery has been longer and more painful than I expected, but her foot is healing. We are a long way yet from her thinking about whether it is worth going through again for her left foot.
Around my birthday, we got Kira, a street rescue, full of milk, having lost her puppies and her home, a stranger in a strange place. When I saw her picture on NextDoor, she reminded me of our dog Cindy who we had when the kids were growing up and my heart went out to her. We took her home and found out that she is not at all like Cindy, who was a very easy dog to live with. Kira is my first experience with a husky type dog. She is at the same time both extremely needy and independently minded. With someone who can give her the time, training, and exercise she needs, Kira could be a great dog. Unfortunately, this is not a good time in my life for that so it is not an ideal match for her or for me. I am trying to find a good match for her. If not, we will just muddle on.
Like probably most people what I miss the most is being able to see my children and grandchildren. I have a grandson who was born right after Thanksgiving 2019 and is walking. I have only held him two or three times since the shut down. (and there are some who would say I should not have done that) My family has learned to enjoy some on-line get togethers and games which I hope we keep up even after we are able to get together.
2020 has been a time to think about what really matters to us. I am grateful to know that I am a child of God and that Christ is my Savior. I am grateful to be an American citizen. I have a wonderful family. I sometimes feel stressed and distressed, but all my problems are first world problems, for which I am grateful.
I am also thankful for my good friends. You are a light in my life, a source of encouragement, inspiration, and laughter.
I wish you love, peace, and joy
Barbara Robarts
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