This morning I ate breakfast and read the newspaper as I do every day. The updates on the devastation of the coronavirus were even worse than yesterday. I acknowledged to myself that I am filled with fear about what life will be like when the scourge has passed for however many of us make it through.
I was looking out of my long living room window. The view below of trees, plants, patio chairs and tables and the bright blue pool brought me a measure of peace. The window is what sold me on this apartment when I moved here seven years ago to live close to my family. Now so much is uncertain.
As I sat looking out my window I thought of how I would write about open possibilities. I remembered my mother’s response to the Great Depression. There came a week when my dad’s paycheck wouldn’t cover a whole week’s supply of groceries. None of us children were born so there was only the two of them to feed. My mother always had a mischievous spirit. She decided that if there was not enough money to buy groceries for the week she would buy a steak and they would have one glorious meal. I have told myself this story over the years when things got tough. It makes me happy every time.
poetrybyheart.me 
A touching piece.
Thanks, Bill. She was pretty remarkable.
A tough time for all of us for sure but what a lovely memory of your mum to get you through . x
Thanks, Alison. I hope you are managing to stay well and find things to cheer you.
What a lovely share, Ina.
In times likes these we can look back and bring up fond memories, we can choose to focus on the good…
And even better there are unexpected moments of connecting with another person. I was on the phone with someone from AOL signing up for identity protection when I heard a dog barking in the background. I asked the young man if he was working from home. He said yes and he had two dogs but only one barked. I told him my sons were working from home with various children and dogs around. We both laughed. A wonderfuil exchange.
Yes! To all the wonderful and unexpected connections happening,thanks to this situation.
🙂
That is a courageous and joyful way to approach an uncertain time, we could all learn something from it.
This is one of my favorite memories of my mother. Thanks for your affirmation.
It’s a wonderful story!
Many thanks, Resa. 🙂