Next summer Linda wants us to build a
fire pit in the back yard. Once we finish the project—and the
governor and/or God sounds the virus all-clear—we'll invite
everybody to a bonfire. Bring your masks. You won't
be taking them home.
We all know people who've had COVID-19.
Many of us know people it has killed. It's tragic. I pray daily
for the safety of the most vulnerable, including my mom. Yet life
has gone on. And by the grace of God, this has actually been a good
year in our family.
 |
Hours after Rory's birth
(Click on the pictures to enlarge them.) |
In late October we welcomed our second
grandchild, Rory Anne Muse, to the family. She, Laura and Sam and
big brother Theo are well. Theo loves all vehicles, drawing
with chalk on the driveway, books and imitating animals. (He does a
great
horse.) Rory's repertoire is still somewhat limited. Until
delivering her Laura taught kindergarten online. Her leave extends
well into 2021, when Grandmas Cindy and Linda will offer serious
support. Sam continues to work hard—at the office and at home.
Dan
got engaged to the estimable and wonderful Lauren. They plan an
August wedding and as of this writing, it looks probable that the
vaccines will make that happen. He has hit the home stretch in his
residency at Riley Children's Hospital and hopes next to begin a
fellowship in public health with an emphasis on data. She teaches and continues
work on her PhD. She also helps out with community organizations serving disadvantaged people.
 |
| Post-proposal | |
Linda's
parents and my mom have soldiered on, taking wise precautions that
have kept them safe to date. The isolation has probably hit them the
hardest. But they have lived through tough times before. Their
generation remembers the Great Depression and global war. While this
pandemic has frightened and inconvenienced them, their resolute
attitudes never fail to impress. As the years pass Linda and I grow
increasingly grateful for their example of faithful determination.
 |
Thanksgiving--in many ways
|
Our
lives have not changed markedly. We still visit with family. I
still serve the church, though this whole thing has given me an
appreciation I never expected to have for face-to-face meetings.
Linda works a little here and there, enough to add some nice
furniture to our cozy home. We walk our dogs. God has blessed
us and we know it. Coming to Terre Haute and this church was an inspired decision. We are thankful.
Whatever
your situation, we pray that you too might have peace and gratitude
in your hearts. And don't forget: bring your masks.
