I was thinking about how to describe this difficult year, selfishly thinking only about myself. A series of Firsts:
- First time spending the night in a hospital (intensive care was a bonus!)
- First time having two nurses intimately examine me looking for the wound/source of a bacterial infection (not the good time you may have imagined).
- Second time spending the night in a hospital.
- First humiliating fall in a public place. (That’s a lie about it being my first fall but it’s the first one I’ll admit to).
- First need for a cane.
- First failed attempt at a C-PAP machine; or as I call it “Claustrophobia in a box.”
- Worst of all the sickening prospect that Adolph Trump might be re-elected.; “Say it ain’t so, Joe!”
But there were many highlights as well:
- A short but wonderful visit from dear friends from the Philippines.
- Visits to and from our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
- Linda and I are nearing 50 years of a fairytale romance and life with my best friend.
- My cousin catching and supplying me with shad roe so Linda could recreate Nero Wolfe’s favorite Dish (a story for another time).
- Family dinners and a wedding.
- My modest investments combined with Social Security sustained us for another year of retirement.
- And remarkably, perhaps the best thing, I am still here!
So before you dismiss 2023 be grateful for the glass being almost full and celebrate friends and family and if you want to end the year with one final act of largess I want you to know I do accept Zelle and wire transfers. It’s so much nicer to give than receive. You’re welcome!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!