Dreary Fall Days and Sadness

 Sometimes it seems that losses come in bunches. Sadness comes from time to time, and right now two Joe's Pond families and many of their friends here, are facing the loss of loved ones. Nelda Rossi, Larry Rossi's mother, passed away on October 26. She was 95. She held a special place in the hearts of many Joe's Ponders who knew and loved her. 

The second loss here at the pond is Ruth Snead, Nancy Hamilton's sister. Ruth passed away at age 76 at her home in South Carolina on October 18. 

Another lovely person passed away on Monday - Jeannette Abbott, 90, who for many years was librarian at the Cabot Public Library. Jeannette was a dear, sweet lady, always helpful and gracious. She and her husband, Bob, left their home on Cabot Plains Road a few years ago  and moved to an assisted living facility in the Barre area. Bob passed way this past June.

We are thinking about these friends who have lost loved ones and hope they find some comfort in wonderful memories of times shared, and strength in the support of family and friends. In these uncertain times of chaos and pandemic when we cannot safely give friends a hug to show them we care, or reach out to hold the hand of someone in a nursing home, we have to depend on other ways to let them know we care about them and are thinking of them. A note, a card or a phone call. We do care, and it's important to let friends know.

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I had an annual checkup with my dermatologist today. As I was sitting in the waiting area outside of his office, I was struck by how different things are today than just a few months ago. It's really difficult to "read" people's expressions when all you have to work with is their eyes peering at you above face masks. Today I tried to figure out  if the people were friendly, angry, sad, happy or just indifferent. One's eyes may be the mirror of their soul, to quote Cicero, but  at six feet or more away, one's eyes are just orbs to me - I usually can't even be sure of their color, and without the rest of their face showing, the eyes are pretty much expressionless - like an unfinished picture. I really miss seeing people smile. But I'm ever so glad when people wear masks. With growing concerns about the increase in illness due to the coronavirus, it's more important than ever for everyone to follow the rules to help keep themselves and others safe. That said, try to remember to utter a cheerful "Hi" or find something pleasant to say so others will know you're ok. If you aren't ok, I guess it would be alright to say so - at least then nobody would have to wonder.