Choices of

While quietly enjoying my second cup of black coffee this morning , the TV screen suddenly blared another “NEWS ALERT.” At that moment, I remembered another time and place.

I went back once again to 58th Street when entire families lived within walking distance of not only grandparents, but countless cousins and numerous in-laws. I realize that may sound ideal today for many of us waiting for Facetime calls from the West Coast or wondering how much postage to put on an overseas package.

However, it wasn’t always the case.

Families were often conflicted and usually not over important issues. I remember distinctly how the major division between our Maternal and Paternal clans was due solely to their disparate points of view.

The Paternal unit rarely saw doom or gloom, but spent most of their time laughing or refusing to see the clouds hovering over their heads. Irresponsible, in some views as well as frivolous.

The Maternal unit of the clan were sadly unable to view the sun even on a bright August afternoon. They prepared for the hurricane season long before it was in sight.

I found myself often in the middle of both views, and at times it could be more than a mite confusing.

As I grew older, I sought the happier members of our extended family. In retrospect I rejected to some degree possibly the wisdom and foresight offered by the opposing members of the clan.

I remembered all of them today because I haven’t heard anything optomistic from the new world of internet journalism for quite some time.

Politics aside, the world has not yet collapsed. Perhaps we are in a time of peril, but there are some good things keeping us afloat.

Medical advances for cancer treatment can only be described as miraculous.

The discovery of IVF for childless couples certainly falls into that category.

The ability to communicate with loved ones despite distance via Zoom, Skype or Facetime has certainly enhanced my life.

My Kindle library is chock full of marvelous stories. They line up like soldiers when I press a button and no, I am never bored.

Once again I remember as a child preferring to visit one side of the family as today I make another decision.

Before finishing my coffee, I am turning the TV off and playing John McDermott’s rendition of“May You Be.”