I have been trying to channel the mindset of my first friend (FF). As I start moaning about current events, she reminds me of an important point:
These are the times we live in
She points out that there have been difficult times throughout history and, frankly, during our lifetime. My husband agrees. They are not wrong and I try and use that lens on a daily basis.
Sometimes this is a challenge for me because of things that happen ‘close to home’.
For example:
- Carjacking at gunpoint has been reported in our local grocery store parking lot. I am now on high alert when I get gas or groceries
- Catalytic converters are being stolen in our neighborhood driveways
- We had lunch at our local Taco Time. A burrito combo order and a chopped salad now cost $35 (!)
- In a recent WA poll 33 % of the Republicans surveyed in our blue state believe that there was major fraud in the 2020 election and Trump truly won
- And no one even wants to look at their 401 K balance these days!
Our daughter had a recent experience that brought current events even closer.
On Thursday, she was driving slowly in a Portland neighborhood and a young guy ran a stop sign and hit her vehicle. It is too soon to tell if she was injured (her hip hurts and she is having some headaches), but her fairly new SUV is likely totaled.
The only good news is that she isn’t seriously hurt (that we know of yet), the car that hit her wasn’t stolen, and the driver is insured.
But here is the ‘closer to home’ part:
She didn’t even think to call 911 because she knew that a timely police response, or any response at all, likely wasn’t in the cards.
This is the unfortunate reality of the times we live in!
Neil Pearl
If the future’s looking dark,
We’re the ones who have to shine.
If there’s no one in control,
We’re the ones who draw the line.
Though we live in trying times,
We’re the ones who have to try.
And we know that time has wings,
So we’re the ones who have to fly.
Allene
P.S. Today’s collage – mother/daughter photos taken 30 years apart!
Travels with Allene 