If we think to one year ago we should remember the countrywide shutdown because of COVID-19 was accelerating and not slowing down. It took until earlier this year that the pandemic was finding corrections and modification. Will we continue that course of improvement without sustaining setbacks?
An optimist would find the glass half-full, of course, however, optimism finds reality entering into the equation. There is a strong element which will not take the spread of the virus seriously, for a variety of reasons. We may have to live with a realty the virus could be with us a few more years, however, we must find a majority in our communities who will be aware of its spread and take prevention steps. Those who have taken the vaccine still may catch the virus, however, cold and flu symptoms prevail over death and respirator.
This year has been filled with many events, good, bad, and indifferent. Reflections can find a variety of ways to look at events, however, it is difficult to understand how anyone can justify or revel in the events January 6 at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.. How there can be anything but condemnation, however many good intention claims there may be, it is difficult to perceive. There was no excuse and it helped to add to the instability of the U.S. democracy, a tenuous circumstance every year.
• Being outdoors is preferable to indoors to beat the virus. Outdoors is where the first Tom-A-Hawk Turkey Trot fundraiser in Aurora will take place. The Trot will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 at the site of the new pedestrian bridge over the Fox River just north of downtown. See more information in Fundraiser forum on page 19. The fundraiser is for the benefit of students of both East Aurora and West Aurora School Districts. The run will cover both sides of the Fox River.
• Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity will dedicate a home in Batavia at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 at 1600 W. Wilson Street.
• Retired teachers from all Fox Valley schools are invited to the Aurora Area Retired Teachers Association (AARTA) luncheon meeting, at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7 at Gaslite Manor n Church Road in Aurora. It will be the Christmas meeting.
• On a personal note, a category usually eschewed in this space, the date of this edition, November 18, is a one-year reflection of the death of an older sister, Barbara Siljestrom, of Elgin. A broken hip led to hospitalization, transfer to a nursing home, and ultimately to death caused by COVID-19. This reflection leads to gratitude to an older sister and to all family members with thanksgiving for the wonderful family situation which has visited my life, from childhood through today. Gratitude and thanksgiving are inadequate!
• Clear and Concise, Week 46, Year 2: The COVID-19 pandemic is a health issue. It should not be considered a political tussle, or draw lines of any kind. We are all tired of the related connections, such as limited movement, wearing masks, encountering mandates, and possible inspections and introspections. The number of deaths has encountered minor increases and number of hospitalizations has seen a rather major increase. We must be watchful. Big Pharma may have absorbed increases in profits, however, that should be incidental and circumstantial. Above all, the coronavirus is a health issue and each of us must be aware and help protect ourselves and others. If we let our guard down, the virus will continue. Be well and be healthy always, however, especially in the Winter.