Remembering Papa

Around the Block: 6/25/21

For the regular readers of the ATB, you will remember that my wife Kristen’s Papa succumbed to COVID-19 in December. As is the case with this deadly, contagious virus, Papa was alone when he passed, with none of his beloved family by his side. Kristen talked to him by phone every day from Philly, but this disease would not permit her or any family to be with him in person. And Papa, as was his way, loved talking to Kristen by phone and always understated how poorly he was feeling.

There was a Zoom funeral shortly after his death, but now this weekend we can finally celebrate Papa’s life in person, as an extended family. It has been about 6 months since his death, and Kristen, the boys, and I drove to Conneaut, Ohio this weekend for his memorial service.

This terrible virus, which has killed over 600,000 Americans and approximately 4,000,000 worldwide, has caused so many to die alone, and delayed or prevented families and friends from mourning in person. And as the vaccine rates are up and we start to return to our “new normal,” please remember the millions of victims (and their families) of this plague.

And while I have great hope as more and more people get the vaccine, we must remain vigilant. The Delta Variant is vicious in attacking those who are not vaccinated and is still wreaking havoc in hot spots around the world.

So, get vaccinated, stay safe, be smart, and enjoy every moment of life to the fullest.

Please enjoy the week.

Warm regards,

Jeff