Open
Spaces
Vol. 21.5
May is the month when
spring seems to finally get fully engaged. Things are
growing and the world is
filled with something my mother called the
new green. Life surrounds us daily.
Though news tells us that
this pandemic we have endured is reducing its hold on us, I am reminded, not
gently, that it has not left our day to day lives. Last month we lost an
acquaintance, a step-son to a dear friend, to the disease. This month COVID’s cold
fingers have struck a member of my own family. Many, including myself, had
diligently prayed for the recovery of a niece. For eleven days she suffered and
at last passed from our realm to the next.
We, as a family, must now
deal with a new hole torn into our lives, a brilliant point of light separated
from us too soon. Sadly it is an event that occurs far too often. It is
important to remember that with each loss, be it COVID, Cancer, a traffic
fatality, or any other cause, touches roughly the lives of their families,
their friends, and all who knew them. The numbers of those devastated is far
greater than the quantity listed.
So as we continue in this
season of rebirth, let us appreciate those that share our space...our lives.
Let us respect the fragility of their existence. Let us see opportunities to
help secure their protection in ways we can. Is it not an act of love to do so?
Would turning our back upon doing the little things, which could have cascading effects upon others, not be acts of selfishness?
That is why I am
vaccinated. Yes, it offers me protection, but it is a small thing I can do that
could help others...protect others.
It is why I, in most cases, yet continue to wear my mask, just as I have for
all these months. I do so for two reasons. One: maybe it offers some health benefit. Two: I believe strongly in the
power of example.
I do not see the mask as
a sign of submission, but a symbol of caring about others...a symbol of love. I
wear a mask to remind the world that COVID has not simply vanished...it is too
soon to be forgotten.
In my family, as in so
many others, we will NEVER forget COVID and the price it extracts...the price
it can demand.
I apologize to you today
for what some might believe is simply a rant. But I write these words thirteen
hours after news reached my ears of our family’s tragedy. It is a wound fresh,
the blood yet flows.
Yet I try to remain
optimistic, surely Patti would hope I would remain so. I have confidence that
though COVID remains, for now, it is not a forever curse. So I eagerly await
for the bane of this pandemic to end.
Friends I believe it will.
Now for some lighter
news. I continue on the revise of the third book in the Misty Creek series. At present the greatest hindrance is finding
the time. I have at last come to a point where things seem to be moving forward
more smoothly. Though I have yet to reach the mid-point of the manuscript I
feel that the four months spent has not been wasted. For the first time since I
began this revision I feel confident in the endeavor,
Friends I have run long
again, so I will bring this installment to a close. It is my prayer that you
and your loved ones are well. That this season of new life offers grand
opportunities and new experiences. May God, the Master and Controller of all
things keep you safe until we meet.
Blessings,
John
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/misty-creek-john-w-vander-velden/1127857944
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elizabeths-journey-john-vander-velden/1135154629
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