Bits and Pieces

Why is that that something so common (so common in fact that the word "common" is the usual adjective) can be so miserable.  D is down with - yes, you guessed it - the common cold.  He's hoarse, feverish, achy, coughing, and congested.  He feels tired and has no appetite.  But there's nothing one can do to make the cold go away faster although there are things that make the symptoms less severe (which he won't take tonight, but said he would tomorrow if he's still as uncomfortable).  It's frustrating, isn't it?  Thank heavens he's not a child!  At least he can understand what is wrong with him, appreciate that it certainly could be a much more dire situation, and will last for only a few days before it begins to pass off.

Pass off, that is, to me.  Oh well, at least I am an adult and can understand what is wrong with me, appreciate that it certainly could be a much more dire situation, and will last for only a few days before it begins to pass off.  To the next person.

The other thing on my mind today has nothing to do with colds (hence the title for this entry - the common cold was the "bit" and this is the "piece").  It has to do with saying goodbye and showing respect.  I am especially proud to be a member of the Schenectady Guild today.  ME and I went to pay our respects to our friend Pam and to let her family know that she was important.

When we walked from the parking lot to the funeral home, we saw a car or two drive in with friends and acquaintances from the Guild.  A few more came out as we went in.  As we entered the appropriate room we saw Guild members in line in front of us and others who had already gone through the receiving line.  Turning around to glance behind me, I saw still more coming in.

I sincerely doubt that all of those women knew Pam well.  I do know that some had some acquaintance with her, and others did have a close bond.  But what struck me the most, is that this Guild is indeed a formal sisterhood similar to the ones men have had for so long (firemen, police, etc.).  Women have always had their own loosely structured groups that were supportive, but this is the first time I have belonged to a tightly knit formal group.  

It would have been easy for many of those women not to have gone out late on a Sunday afternoon, but they were there to honor a fellow member, let her family know how special she was, and that she will be remembered.

Saying good bye and showing respect - that's a fine thing to do.