Sunday – Palm Sunday Reflections

A difficult year for all of us. It is hard to believe a year has gone by since we began the Covid journey. On a personal note is has been devastating to our retirement community. 20 deaths and over 150 became very sick with the virus.

We became more like prisoners of war than happy Golden Age retirees. I have posted about the experience previously:

Marooned in No Man’s Land – a nursing home

The above post first appeared in American Thinker referenced now per their requirement.

We are left with what I suspect is the Stockholm syndrome. The feeling of possibly living on death row for so long is abating and the pouring out of gratitude to our captors who locked us up and kept us alive is surreal. Apparently I am the only one who sees the dichotomy of this. In fairness we did well compared to other retirement communities. The dirty secret that it was not only nursing homes that were affected to such an extent. Congregant living is our description. Cottages and apartments for independent living. Continuing care as we march through the time machine and take our licks and get support as needed to go through it. I suppose it could be compared to living on a cruise ship. I have found no studies excluding nursing home deaths from deaths in communities such as our. A good portion of our deaths were non-nursing home deaths as I understand it as well as the Covid illness.

I would be remiss not to thank all of those here who braved the unknown and were willing to work hard here to keep us alive and well. From the guards who allowed in only those necessary to keep us alive to the many college age kids who were more than willing to take the risks and remained happy and upbeat as they went about their business.

The retirement community got its first dose of Moderna with the second dose coming up soon. We are now able to avail ourselves of our various dining options for the first time since forever with strict seating arrangements. For a few brief moments of dinning we are able to see “faces” wow. No activities yet. The toll taken on the older folks is telling.

Sadly several of our blogging friends who visit here often and comment, lost their loved ones recently as well. As we remember all of the lives lost and pray that the families may find peace, let us keep “Always on Watch” and our “Friend from Florida” in mind.

Always on Watch

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Mr. AOW Has Gone Home

This morning, Mr. AOW (1949-2021) passed peacefully at the hospice facility: end stage renal failure with complications.  His passing was expected the past ten days or so.  He was at the hospice for eight and one-half days.

Your Friend from Florida

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Making Progress

 The outpouring of love and care and prayers is overwhelming. I am so blessed by your kind words, good advice, and love.  Thank you.  I am humbled.

Joseph (Joe) Nicholas D’Orsaneo, 83, passed away at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and walked into the arms of Jesus on February 16, 2021, after a short and devastating battle with COVID-19.

I am choosing a selection from last Easter that brought me much Peace of mind. I hope it does for you to.

“You Do Not Walk Alone” traditional Irish blessing Original music by Elaine Hagenberg

I suggest watching this is full screen.

Wishing you a good day with much Peace.