We must accept finite disappointment but we must never lose infinite hope
Martin Luther King, Jr
As they were growing up, we told Becky and Rachel, “Look for the good.” We are trying to follow that advice while respecting all that people have suffered this year.
There was joy all around on January 12th when Kevin’s mom, Eadie, marked her 95th birthday … yay, Mom! We hit the road a few days later, stopping first in Fresno to visit Penny’s brother, Nick, and family. Second stop: Borrego Springs for sunshine and golf. Kevin was there two weeks, but a few days into the stay, Penny took off. Third stop: LONDON! She and Becky met at Heathrow, then joined up with Rachel who was attending a conference. Five wonderful days together: we were especially grateful for the timing once “the world shut down.”
Back home, Eadie was in need of more care. On March 3rd she moved to a lovely assisted living facility and a couple days later Penny and Kevin’s sister, Kelly, flew to San Jose to visit Becky, Jonathan and Arden … a last bit of “normal”.
Since then …… Penny has continued volunteer work, long walks and listening to lots of audiobooks. She took a ZOOM class on climate change and has learned to do yoga with a mask. Her dear friend (and former teaching partner) built her a Little Free Library! Thanks, Tami!!
Kevin has continued to play golf. No rakes in the sand traps, flags stay in the hole and the holes are lined so they are shallow. No touching anything but your own ball and clubs. He and the high school golfers he coaches were sad to miss their entire competitive season. The tournaments Kevin played felt very different this year: no parties, no galleries, no high-fives, but the game and the fresh air were as good as ever.
Rachel and Héctor in Chile have been the most isolated. Working from home, for a good portion of the year they were allowed outdoors only when they obtained an online pass for a short time period, available twice a week. In March they adopted Rita, a sweet doggie in need of rescue. What a bright spot she has been! Spring has arrived in the southern hemisphere and restrictions are easing now. Thank goodness!
Becky, Jonathan and Arden are in a “pod” with two other families, six parents and five kids total. Jonathan works at home. Becky has adapted many variations for homeschooling Arden and the kiddos in their pod. They call it “Corona School”! The family grew in June when they adopted a fluffy one-eyed poodle. His full name is “Captain Macaroni van Winkle” (Arden’s favorite food + a pirate reference to his one eye!)
They were here in Medford when Eadie died August 21st. After visiting her through a window since March, we are thankful hospice allowed us to hug her and share some final words before she passed away. In a diary portion of her address book we found the following that sums up her sweet nature: Best Friend? and her response: Anyone & everyone! We miss her.
There is much we miss this year, most especially seeing Rachel and Héctor. We are thankful that we, Penny’s mom and all our family are well. In October we drove to San Jose. Arden, five years old, loves superheroes, numbers and robots. His enthusiasm for life strengthens our hope for a future of restoration, health and justice.
Sending you love, warmth and HOPE this holiday season,
Kevin and Penny
