A Solemn Saturday.

I got a haircut yesterday and had a good long talk with the woman who cuts my hair.  She's available when her uncle is out of town.  They work together.  She goes to my parish, and let me in on the reasons why our pastor is being moved.  Progressives in the parish didn't like him and would like the school to be less 'Catholic' and more embracing of LGBTQism and transgender ideology.  

Then we talked about caring for older people who have dementia/Parkinson's, etc..  I talked with her for over an hour.  She went through the same thing with her mom and dad.  Like COVID-19, it seems the dementia is only going to get worse.  I'm a bit overwhelmed by the thought.  I guess I have to be more assertive in care-giving.  She said I was too easy going.  (I know people will want to give good advice and will offer help - but right now I need to chill and pray about everything.)  At a time of pandemic, I don't think going out to the doctors or seeking outside help is appropriate right now.  I also think I can handle bathing him and household chores.  

Everything is a grace, and sorrow is no exception.  I see everything as an opportunity to sanctify each moment, to offer everything as a sacrifice in gratitude, and to pray and exercise myself in charity.  (I know that sounds terribly pious, but it is the way I have coped throughout my life, from childhood abuse, depression and panic attacks, as well as every other crisis in life.)  Pray very much for my friend, and pray for me for patience and charity.

Thanks.

Writing a blog in the time of pandemic.

Today the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 is officially a pandemic.

As of this writing, it appears there is one critical case in the metropolitan area.  I know nothing about how many people have been exposed.  So far, I'm not especially concerned - except for my friend, whose health is not the best.  The early stages of dementia related to Parkinson's?  I'm not sure how to define the diagnosis.  We did his taxes yesterday, but I will bring them in to his tax guy to do the rest.  I don't want him going out, if it's not necessary.

I think the threat posed by the pandemic alleviates the Catholic controversies which have marred our days.  There is nothing like the 'plague' to prioritize one's spiritual life.

Confession.

I went to confession this past weekend, and I hope to do so more frequently.  It's amazing how personal opinions and the desire to express them, dwindled afterwards.  I'm not sure how to express that - but a certain freedom of spirit was restored. 

Go to confession - it casts out fear. 

So - writing the blog in the time of pandemic should be interesting.  Let's pray for one another.