Heartwarming...even now... by Helen DePrima and Liz Flaherty

by Liz Flaherty

I keep using the term "in times like these," because, frankly, I've never seen times like these before and it's my fervent hope that I never see them again. Since Helen and I were both uninspired about a subject for this month's blog--which she remembered at the last minute and I didn't remember at all!--she suggested we write about some of the truly Heartwarming things we've experienced during this "time like these."

Connor Wilson

Last weekend, my grandson's high school class had a graduation ceremony on the baseball field at the high school. The class of kids who had been born during the grieving time of Nine Eleven "ran the bases" during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their senior year was, to put it elegantly, completely screwed, but they were as glorious and full of hope and gladness as any other class. One of the baseball players even slid into home, indicative of the resilience of his generation.

On a brick wall in a nearby town, Dan Mongosa, a local artist, sketched and then painted wings. I am reminded with every photo someone snaps in front of the wings that there are angels among us--we have only to look. And maybe try to be one.

Tammy Dougherty Loftis

We live in the country...way in the country, so birds and deer and other small wildlife are a part of every day. This year, they've been extraordinary. The orioles stayed around for weeks longer than their usual fly-by hello. A doe--I'm convinced it's the same one--stops in almost daily and poses. I'm accompanied on walks by more rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks than I've ever seen before. They bring joy.

Doe, posing in the front yard

I've had pleasure in making masks, using fabric I'd forgotten I had. I've taken walking from a desultory part of weight loss to a daily soothing-the-soul appointment. I used to wish I had someone to walk with, but I've learned in these months to treasure solitude in a way I didn't before. I've also listened to a couple of Jane Austen books on audio. A great way to re-read.

Nickel Plate Trail

Even though I want old normal back, I'm glad for the Heartwarming places on the new normal path, too.

by Helen DePrima

John Prine

If I’ve learned anything from this sad and scary time, it’s that tomorrow isn’t a sure thing.

Last fall, my husband and I drove from New Hampshire to Roanoke for a concert, the first time we’d seen John Prine perform on stage. He blew us away – two hours of joy and laughter and a tear or two, like a family reunion which ends with everyone still on speaking terms. If all the following shows hadn’t been sold out, we would have followed him to his next venue. Instead, we immediately bought tickets to see him again in May in Louisville, something to look forward to during the long New England winter.  

In March, we lost John Prine to COVID19, but we’ll always treasure the marvelous gift he shared with us that evening in November. 

Now, someday isn’t an acceptable option. I talk to my cousins in Kentucky more often, and old friends call or write to ask, “Are you guys okay?” Although we haven’t lost friends or relatives to this evil scourge, we know folks who have been very ill but have recovered, so we don’t blithely assume it can’t happen to us. I’m deeply grateful that our daughter in North Caroline takes the danger seriously and practices caution.

I’ve been sorting through trunks baby clothes I’ve saved, hand-smocked dresses, some made for my daughter, some made for me as a baby, too beautiful to end up in a thrift shop, and sending to young friends with little girls. Today, I mailed a hand-crafted stuffed toy, Rockefeller the Oyster, to a friend with a young son, along with matching lad-and-dad masks I sewed. I’m setting aside books for people who will love them as I have and pieces of jewelry for special friends, as they’ve been left to me. Knowing these gifts will be enjoyed – now, not someday – gives me great pleasure. 

As the old saying goes, “Lord willing and the Creek don’t rise,” maybe we’ll be able to look forward to more somedays.