Dear Aunt Mildred,
As I sit here checking my social calendar, I feel like a homely girl (person – does that make it more p.c.?), sitting at home by the telephone on a Saturday night.
My older brother’s birthday was on February 2nd so I checked in with him and asked, as I have for the last 70 years, if he saw his shadow. He said he couldn’t remember, but he’s 85 years old so I gave him a pass. He’s still much more reliable than that groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, who has a less than 40% accuracy rating.
It’s been over a year of staying in the house due to the pandemic, except for doctors’ appointments and the occasional trip to the post office, bank, library, or restaurant to get supper to go. Luckily for me, (I think), my significant other leaves me in the car while she goes into the post office, restaurant, or library. She uses the drive-through at the bank. She says staying in the car is for my own good – which scares me because when my mother said “for your own good” or “maybe” or “we’ll see” it invariably meant ‘NO.” I’m reconciled to this. If she started sending me to Walmart every day, I’d immediately become suspicious. Sometimes in the hot weather, when I see her returning to the car, I begin licking the window, barking, and putting my hands on either side of my face like paws. Of course, I need a few witnesses nearby for this to be effective.
I really love my significant other and appreciate all that she’s done for me this past year, but I got my first Covid shot in February and the second one on St. Patrick’s Day. Now, it’s back on the streets.
I didn’t get a haircut for about a year. The other night she asked me if she could tie the back into a ponytail. I got a haircut with my new freedom.
Now don’t get me wrong, I rarely left the house over the last few years anyway. It’s the fact that I can’t leave now that aggravates me, though I do like the social distancing aspect. When this is over, I wish they’d change it to 12 feet, especially when I get to go to Walmart again.
Aunt Mildred, you may wonder why I’m sending you this letter. Well, most of my friends are either dead or missing and I couldn’t think of anyone else to send it to. By the way, I do subscribe to MMA.
My social calendar is empty. My monthly calendar for May and June is also empty so I think I’ll take a nap.
Claude Vadnais
Holyoke, MA
My dear Claude,
What a lovely name. You must be of French heritage.
How thrilled I am that you have lulled yourself into a stuporous sleep. I trust our stoical readers are delighted as well. I do hope, for the sake of us all, that your slumber is sound and sustained.
You have portrayed your significant other as a lovely person, quite concerned for your safety. How fortunate you have been to have someone caring for you during these troubling times. I suspect there would have been more sniveling for us to suffer had you been left to fend for yourself.
The past year has left a momentous mark on us all that we shall never forget. Nothing in our lives of qualified comfort could have prepared us for what was to come. Thus, we have suffered avalanches of shifting emotions, from despair to gratitude.
I remember the 1940s. It was indeed a simpler time: party lines which involved four families sharing the same telephone line; my siblings and myself lounging about the radio as we listened to “The Shadow;” acquiring our first television set in 1948. We watched everything in wonderment from “Howdy Doody,” “The Little Rascals,” and the “Three Stooges” to test patterns. I recall my brother debating with my parents on the dubious merits of a backyard fallout shelter… but I digress.
As I sit here at my computer on the glorious Vineyard, I marvel at the technologies we have at our disposal: computers, copy machines, faxes, cell phones, and video chats. As isolated as we have felt, we have had the means to reach out and communicate. Thank God for these improvements in our lives.
My sincerest sympathy for the sorrow you endure for those you have lost and the void they have left. The circle of life grows cruel as we grow old.
I truly hope the year past has enlightened us so we may hold each day dear and find its blessings; cherish our family, friends, and loved ones; treasure our precious time; and revere the wonderful people who have touched us as they passed through our lives.
May I suggest some simple pleasures to banish your boredom? When in the Boston area and feeling a bit blue, embark on a drive to Revere Beach. Stop at Bianchi’s for their legendary pizza or Kelly’s for their famous roast beef sandwich. Cross the boulevard, sit, and marvel as you view the magnificent ocean before you.
I have made futile attempts to share this experience with Richard, our editor. He has claimed to see Ireland. His dear mother, Evelyn, described him as a storyteller. She was a most kind and generous soul. But, yet again, I digress…
Studies have shown that contemplating a heavenly horizon will release endorphins into your system, not unlike those experienced by having a good run. Additionally, I foretell that you will be far less likely to spill your drink.
Most Sincerely,
Aunt Mildred