It has been written
Found: The Missing Beatitude--Blessed are the poor in conspiracy theories, for they shall wax indignant, unencumbered by any factual information.
(Alternate translation: Blessed are they who strive to deny our fair, free, and legitimate votes, for they shall wax indignant, unencumbered by any factual information.)
WAYNE WAGGONER
Little Rock
Our quarantine year
Because of covid-19, we: Bought an expensive thermometer. Have five kinds of masks. Missed our oldest grandson's last choir concert, play, normal graduation festivities. Missed choir, theater performances, soccer games, grandparent days, etc., with all the grands. Missed our big Viking River Cruise with friends in June.
Missed being with all our children/grands together. Missed taking granddaughters to many usual places when they visit. Missed hosting/attending luncheons/dinners during the holidays. Missed meeting with church, board and Bible study friends. Realized how bad our hearing was with everyone in masks. Cooked meals ... a lot. Ran the dishwasher ... a lot. Stopped workouts at the athletic club.
On the bright side (there is usually one), because of covid-19, we: Have a little-used fancy thermometer and lots of masks. Got to attend a very clever "parking lot" graduation. Walk every day in our neighborhood. Communicate more with neighbors at safe distances. Explored our state and hiking trails we'd never known about. Got total refund from Viking. Did more FaceTiming with children/grands. Got more techie and learned to Zoom/stream with the best of them. Get to Zoom daughter's Silver Sneakers classes twice a week. Tried new recipes. Worked lots of puzzles. Read lots of books. Outside projects and yard work mean yard looks super. Got to have son and family here a couple times in the summer, with our open pools an attraction. Had some surgery to improve hearing. Supported local restaurants with takeout meals. Got to attend a drive-in theater "Nutcracker" to see a granddaughter performing in her fourth production. Got to continue to safely play/teach tennis. Zoomed a piano recital for grands. Most importantly, found that we can entertain ourselves and each other for long periods without hitting too many nerves.
Merry Christmas; never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. Praying for a healthy, safe and more peaceful world in 2021!
BECKY KOSSOVER
Little Rock
Just another D.C. day
It was thrilling to read the news that health-care workers, first responders, and people in greatest need would be first in line for the coronavirus shot. I was disgusted to see that members of the Congress and the federal government broke line and gobbled up doses that could have gone to truly needy people. Another shameful act by our political leaders.
DON BYRD
Clarksville