One evening when I was about fifteen years old, my mom and I walked into the house after a school field trip. My dad had left a message on the answering machine: my mom’s grandmother had “an episode with her heart,” he said. My mother didn’t say a word. She turned around, purse still on her shoulder, and headed for the car. I followed her quietly.
COVID-19 has brought many difficult challenges, but for those of who are 70 years old and older, or are health compromised, there is a bit of good news.
With Valentine’s day just around the corner I just can’t help but get excited. I am a romantic at heart and not one bit afraid to admit it. I always treat my wife like a queen on this day. Not because I might get in trouble if I don’t, I do it because I love to spoil her most days and especially so on Valentine’s day.
Politics... one of the most important topics I avoid while conversing with friends and acquaintances, particularly if we have different political views. If you ask me what my political affiliation is, chances are I will not tell you. Not out of disrespect, but because I won’t allow myself to fall victim to the political bashing that is so common, especially with today’s political situation. I have witnessed too many conversations between friends end with one (or both) sides belittling the other for the opinions and beliefs they hold. I value my peace and happiness, so if it helps me keep both those intact, I will steer clear from this subject matter.
A friend stopped by my office and brought me some homemade dark chocolate fudge with coconut and honey. Hmmm, so good. Her gesture made me think about the love my Olney friends have expressed to me since I’ve been here. I can’t name everyone who has lifted my spirits, but you all know who you are. My friends come through when I need them the most—especially when I was sick with “the illness that shall not be named.” Thinking about their expressions of love made me think about John Mayer’s song “Love is a Verb.” While many of us believe that when we tell people “we love them,” our words qualify as an expression of love. However, we can’t truly express our love by saying, “I love you.” Instead, we define our love by what we do.
213 E. Main St.
PO Box 577
Olney, Texas 76374
Phone: (940) 564-5558
Fax: (940) 564-3992