Another

Maybe because it’s cloudy today, or possibly because I just canceled Will’s weekly visit, but I have to admit I am depressed.

One year ago Covid entered the lovely, comfortable residence where I now rest my weary bones.

It knocked on my door, and invaded my body. It has lurked within my immediate vicinity with persistence ever since January 7, 2021.

I had begun to think our long term relationship was faltering.

Hope was on the horizon until it’s recently recognized cousin, Omicron, entered our home; once again in the bleak month of January.

Although, I currently remain uninfected, I am also only one of the innumerable victims of this once distant relative. Fear has diminished the landscape of our normal life.

Normally, I am able to seek the sun on rainy days. Today I admit that is becoming difficult as I face another day of isolation.

Then I rediscover the word hope.

I think back to the days, nights, months and years when my beloved was desperately ill.

I recall how bleak our world was during the four years he waited for admittance to a better place.

I reflect on the strength that seemed to emerge daily without fail for both of us. It became the miracle we desperately needed in order to care for each other.

There were no booster shots, or speeches from Washington to give us help during those dark 48 months. Our support came from another invisible, but far more powerful source.

And today I believe that Covid can and will filter away, perhaps slowly, but hope must endure for all of us.

Unexpected rays of sunlight will eventually emerge but only faith will push the bleak clouds of despair away.

However, if I choose to continue wearing this superfluous heavy cloak of depression, that will only make it harder for me to recognize the emerging horizon.

In the words of another unknown sage, Flo Israel,

“Nothing is forever.”

And life endures as I discard and abandon the unwanted garment.