General Discussion

I lost both parents on January 6, 2021. Covid-19. They died within an hour of each other, both at the age of 96. Then, the nastiness at the Capitol occurred on the same day. Nothing has been as terrible for me since then, despite lots of grief and sadness.

Life is a constant struggle, to be sure. We try our best, but we are definitely not in control of things beyond our immediate surroundings. I know of no way to get past that, other than to look at it as more of a spectator than a participant.

If I'm feeling bad about the state of things, I have only to look around a little to find people who are dealing with horrors I cannot even imagine. Those balance things out for me and I feel a bit better.

In the two days prior to this year's birthday, I had two evenings out for supper with friends. First was a large gathering of my wife's cousins, who have become like family to me since we moved to Minnesota. We went to my favorite Neapolitan pizza place. Much laughter and telling of tales. The next night we went to dinner with four of my wife's childhood and school mates. My joke was that it was one of those rare times when I was on a date with five women. They, too, have become my friends here.

I guess that is the solution. Have friends and spend time with them when you can. The rest will do what it will do.