I am still writing and trying to understand my story of these past months. There has been joy during this very difficult time: The joy of time with Mitch; frequent zooms with our children, grandchildren, our close cousins and our group of college friends; reconnection with a close High School friend; the wonderful feeling of finally seeing our local friends even if it is outside, distanced and with masks. There is such joy from the new connections at TBE: the caring clergy, the new and deeper friendships at TBE, the programming and classes, and wonderful teachers. And there is the joy and gratitude of health and home. Today, we felt both joy and sadness during the beautiful, meaningful, spiritual service. One of our daughters visited and it was such a special Rosh Hashana with her; and tonight, we did the blessings over Zoom with children and grandchildren. At the same time, it is challenging for me when I go to a place of worry: I worry about the health of family and friends. I feel for people who are ill or have loved ones who are ill; it is hard for me to not be able to visit with our Chicago children and grandchildren; I would love to travel again with Mitch; I am worried that this virus will take more lives and that someone I love will be impacted; I worry about the direction of our country; I have wanted to be part of the demonstrations in support of racial justice and as an ally to the Black community but I felt it was too health-risky to join. I also experience the power of family, friendship, TBE and hope in keeping me on the track of gratitude and ability to experience joy.
