Are you DONE with it?

 Only a few days and this year will end.Do you really think all of our troubles will go away just because we begin a new year? Of course not.

I am not going over all the stuff the media reviews each time a year ends. We lived it, we know what happened, don't we? We all know it has been a horrible year for all of us with the racial unrest, the election along with the impeachment, an extremely hot summer, California burning, businesses closing, and of course the COVID pandemic and SO MANY lives lost. Who could forget all of that? I can't.

We all hope the memories of 2020 will melt away and 2021 will bring bright and sunny days ahead. Well I am sorry to break it to you but, it ain't over just yet. COVID is still here and we, yes WE, have to control ourselves to stop it by getting vaccinated, WEAR MASKS, social distancing, washing your hands and staying away of large group gatherings. People, I know it's hard. It's not in our make-up to do these things, but we have to.

It's hard to know people are dying and their loved ones can not be with them. The people who care for us are dying, the first responders are dying. It's hard to visit with someone who is infected and see them through plastic or glass. I know because I've been there. Being a retired firefighter for 26 active years, I have been exposed to all kinds of crap and was very lucky I never caught anything bad except a cold. But my co-workers today are.

Nancy and I placed her mother in a care home in May. My wife and I would go to visit with her and had to sit on the front porch talking to her through a screened sliding window due to COVID regulations. It was 110 degrees then. We could hold her, or touch her. She had dementia and was hard of hearing, so it was not easy to see her that way. She had no clue about what the world was in then. She passed in October peacefully.

I hate all of this just as much as anyone. I want to travel to other countries and RV around the USA like we have in the past. But I know that one day it WILL be over and we can get back to normal again. I have faith you all will do the right things to stop this pandemic. Because you want what I want too.

Happy new Year, God bless you all and stay safe.

What is better, nice or kindness?

 When I was on the fire department, our Fire Chief had stickers made to say, "BE NICE". I still see them on bumpers and fire truck today. But is being nice good enough? Of course we should be nice to others, but how is that different from kindness? 

By definition, nice is being pleasant, courteous and polite. On the other hand, kind is being, warmhearted, friendly and generous in nature. And in there is the point. 

Christmas is the time people generally think of giving. Yes, gifts under the tree, watch children when they open that special gift they asked Santa for, and dropping some change in the red pot with the person ringing the bell, or giving the poor soul on the street your old coat because they have none. Kindness to me is taking those nice thoughts and making them into an action which helps someone.

I believe being nice goes hand and hand with kindness. And kindness does not necessarily mean to give money or objects, but maybe to just listen to someone when they have no one to talk to, or the visit someone who has no family or friends. And yes, we are still in a Pandemic which makes it harder but you will find a way.  A way that will light up someone's face and give them joy, even for a few minutes, or maybe turn their life around. Just for the mere fact that you are showing some kindness to who maybe a complete stranger. That alone may get them courage and hope all is not lost, and someone cares.

I once bought a homeless man a couple sandwiches and a bottle of milk when our fire truck stopped to get drinks after a fire call. The expression on the man face was all I needed. I sat down next to him and he told me, he had not eaten for a couple days, and I was the only person who stopped to see if he was OK. He was down on his luck and had no money. I directed him to a shelter farther into town and my crew all chipped in for bus fare. I never saw him again and pray he is doing well.

My point is, being nice and kind does not have to be expensive. It is just doing and being that person you really are. These are hard times for many people. Helping someone or family will make this Christmas season a better season for that person and for you too.

May your God bless you all, and Merry Christmas. Remember, in ALL religions, the Golden Rule is the same, no matter what you believe.

What an interesting year

 

2020 is a year that most of us will never forget. One of hottest years on record, fires all over the West, racial unrest, an election that got really ugly, and then there was Covid19.

But to reflect on our year, probably much like yours, we stayed home a lot. Nancy making quilts and watching the grandkids, and me in the shop.

January saw Nancy’s mother becoming frail, losing weight, and her memory. We started talking about moving her into a care home.

February began with friends from New Mexico visiting and then the Ohio family came out to celebrate Nancy’s mother’s (Beverly) 90^th birthday and Nancy’s 70^th, which Nancy and some friends held an “0” party for those rounding the decade. Our family also remembered it was 5 years since our son Tony passed.

In March, Nancy and I were getting excited about our April trip to New Zealand… but then all travel was cancelled, and so was our trip. Many businesses were shut down and new restrictions were sat in place.

As April rolled around, I was juggling three cars for restoration and repair, and Beverly continued to deteriorate mentally. Nancy and I decided it was time to move her someplace with 24 hour care. So now we had to sale her house to pay for her support.

May became very interesting with a large 3 alarm brush fire within less than ¼ mile of our house. We moved Bev into a private care home that was only a couple miles from the house. I began to sub-out auto jobs due to my left knee hurting so much. A visit to an orthopedic doctor confirmed my theory, I am getting old and arthritis was the culprit.

June was brutal with temperatures over 105 for many, many days. I stayed in the shop most of the day and Nancy was hiking at 5 AM in the shadows of the mountains around us.

By July, we were all going crazy with being shut-in, so our family pulled our campers up north to John and Tina’s property and camped over the 4^th holiday. I was great to be cool and outside.

Another hotter than normal August with California, Arizona, and most western states on fire. Bev’s house was in escrow and hopefully would close soon. I was getting shots in my left knee which helped somewhat.

September was the same-old-same-old, except I attended more funerals of retired firefighters.

On the 26^th of October, Beverly Jane Huelsman passed quietly in her sleep. We received the call early that morning from the care home when they found her lying in bed motionless. Now Nancy and I both had no living parents.

Finally in November it became a little cooler weather. After living in our house for over 20 years, Nancy and I started talking about updating things, starting with the kitchen. Our crew of retired firefighters and I were again at the Good Guys car show displaying our beautiful 1978 American LaFrance fire truck we restored 5 years previously. Thanksgiving was at our house with family and good friends. Our largest gathering since the Pandemic started.

Now we are into December, temperatures are finally where they supposed to be, in the 60s. Kitchen remodel plans are moving forward and Christmas is just around the corner. I pray for John and Tina daily because they both are on the front line in the medical field. Just as I pray for your safety too. These are hard times for everyone, some worse than others. Take time to share with others that may not be as fortunate.

Nancy and I wish you ALL a joyous, safe, healthy and blessed holiday season.