I was a bit worried that today would be the first day with no idea for a post, and it’s only been a couple of days since my last home picture and I wanted to spread them out. So I was worried that I’d have nothing to talk about until I went down to the mail and found a wonderful (and welcome) package.
I have been lucky to teach nearly 2000 students during my years as a high school teacher. In the years since I have run into students in various places (I even had one turn up in a focus group I was interviewing in Salt Lake City last fall). It is always nice to see them and to look into their faces to see the person inside that they once were. However, I have been lucky enough to have a very few great people stay in my life and make that delicate jump from student to friend. One of these is Annie, who lives in Hawaii with her wonderful husband. She splits her time between her job as a psychological counselor and her avocation of making quilts. I’ve been able to visit her a few times when on the Island, and she sent me a quilt when I moved into a new place a few years ago. I’m extremely proud of all that she has accomplished and the person she is today.
This week she reached out and asked if I had enough masks, since she was making masks from quilting fabric. This was timed perfectly, as I was just reflecting that the selfish hoarders in the area have bought up all the masks, so people like me don’t have one and thus their exposure is greater. I did wear my “Jessie James” bandana whenever I went out, but I’m not certain how effective this is. Today the masks arrived, and they are wonderful and beautiful…one even has a bicycle pattern! I will wear them with pride, remembering every time the wonderful connections in life.
Be safe, be strong.