Hello Village ...
I spoke with a prospective member yesterday who had quite the interesting life story. After moving here as a young man in the early 1950s, he had a successful career working for various companies. He decided that marriage and fatherhood weren't for him. His only sibling passed away years ago and he lamented to me that in his late-eighties he’s outlived all of his friends. I have a sense of that pain from my own mother. Recently, a former co-worker turned friend of my mother’s passed away. The woman’s son let me know and truthfully I’ve not found the right time to tell my mother. She’s tired of crossing names out of her address book and the pain associated with it. From her perspective, it’s not only the loss of a friend, but of being more alone with fewer people around her with whom she had shared experiences.
After telling the potential member of our programs and efforts to keep in touch with members even in the midst of the pandemic, perhaps the most important thing that I said to him was, “I just want you to know that you’re not alone.” And I meant it because that is what being part of this and every village is about - building community and being there for one another. Our members and volunteers connect, reach out, and support one another. It’s a wonderful two-way street where everyone gets something in return.
Last week in this space I talked about the health risks of being socially isolated. I also know that I’ve been badgering you to join me in restarting a hobby (i.e., running for me) or beginning something that creates a moment of joy for you, such as calling a longtime friend, starting a container garden, or joining our poetry group via conference call.
Our members and volunteers connect, reach out, and support one another. It’s a wonderful two-way street where everyone gets something in return.
I’ll confess to you that I am a little worried about the lack of participation in some of our programming. We want to provide safe, interesting programs that entertain, support, and generally make life easier during this pandemic. I know that there are a lot of online programs offered from many other sources and the weather is finally nicer so there are lots of options for how you spend your time. Just know that if there is something else that we can do or offer, I am very happy to hear your thoughts and see if we can accommodate your request. So, give me a call, send me anemail, or catch me at the beginning or end of a Zoom call and let me know your thoughts. Remember that we’re all in this together,no one is alone, and together we will get through this.
Until next week,
Frank