This morning, in spite of high winds
predicted, there was barely a breeze stirring, and the flags we all get through
South Side Rotary hung rather limply. Still is was lovely to drive the streets
of my neighborhood and see all those flags. Unlike many others, I didn’t post
pictures of servicemen—in truth, I’m not sure which uncle served where and
when. But I know my father was in the Canadian Army during WWI, that terrible
war which produced horror tales of life in the trenches and yet also produced
some profoundly beautiful literature, especially poetry. I know that my brother’s
father (my mother’s first husband) died of an infection from shrapnel in his
jaw or cheek, several years after the injury. Mom always said that a few years
later, with the introduction of penicillin, he would have lived. I barely
remember much about WWII, but I do remember the Korean War. My brother served
as a Navy pilot in the lull just after that war. Like most people, I have a
family background of service.
Today my new escort/companion/friend
and I had our first adventure together. Amy is a delightful young woman,
friendly, outgoing, and a joy to be with. And she’s very helpful to me. We went
to the audiologist—a visit I’d been putting off because of getting from car to
clinic. It’s amazing what they can do these days—they hang a gadget around my
neck and can “read” my hearing aids—how many hours a day I average wearing
them, what settings I use, and so on. And Tracy, the audiologist, can change
all that from her computer. Amy was particularly fascinated because she is the
youngest of four sisters, two of whom were born profoundly deaf. Talk about serendipity.
Tomorrow we go to the grocery, another place that’s been hard for me (once I
get my hands on a car, I can go like a mad woman), and then I’ll go alone to
meet a friend for lunch at a place that’s easily accessible to me—thank heavens,
because it’s the deli!
Tonight my regular Wednesday dinner
with Betty—but Jacob and Christian joined us, and we had a lively table at the
Tavern.
I am feeling more optimistic by the
day. I think with Amy helping me, I’m going to get back my self-confidence and
independence.
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