2020 REFLECTIONS

When I was growing up, a polite conversationalist was schooled at an early age that there are certain topics not to discuss: Politics and religion. Now there are many more topics. Too many to mention, but labeled: "politically correct." Don't worry. I'm not going to discuss these - but I'm weary of 2020 and want to tell you about some of my personal reflections.

What happened to me in 2020?

JANUARY: The birthday anniversaries of Mom (died in 2019) and Breck (passed in 2006). I'm not a fan of January memories but I just watched a really good movie with Kathie Lee Gifford called THEN CAME YOU. (Mom would have loved it.) It's beautiful. A line reminded me of 2020: "I gotta make new memories, or the old ones are going to kill me."

FEBRUARY: I was so sick from Breast Implant Illness that I was afraid I would die, and then scared I wouldn't. I stayed busy in the clinic and had high hopes for a healthier and happier life after the operation in March. Silly me.

MARCH: One year anniversary of Mom's death. Tough one. Then off to Richmond to hang with Dr. Stanwix, for explant. Immediate relief from 40 years of 20 plus symptoms, but ouch. When you are sliced open from front to back - there's a lot of pain. Will never forget the love and outreach from Kitty, Lynne, and Dana. Thanks guys.

Then the horrific shut down because of a virus. And worse than the shutdowns, the destruction of small businesses - and of course, the infamous "mask mandate." Sanity, freedom, religion, and joy slipped away from the country I love so much. The country who allowed me and millions like me (Middle Class Americans) to thrive in personal health, business, wealth, and family, was now going crazy and dividing us all.

APRIL: A virtual nightmare continued as government officials further mandated social distancing, masks, lockdowns, no events, and friends became petrified of the fake-news about the virus, which silently mandated FEAR. There were more small businesses shut down, many to never reopen. The insanity continued at a steady pace. I made up my mind to flee to Alaska - the last frontier and place of freedom.

MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER: Living in Alaska equaled being in Heaven. Living off the grid where nature does not comply with mandates. Life was almost everyday normal here. There were tons of things to do at Battle Dawgs camp. Building the wellness center. Seeing patients with more severe dis-eases than COVID-19. Working with courageous individuals facing life with traumatic brain injuries, amputees, addictions from medications, constant pain, and post-traumatic stress. Through all their distresses, they still maintain patriotism, courage, and family values. They are Americans who respect the flag, their country, freedom, weapons, and give their time, energy, money, and talents to protect us. How I love these guys. We need them more now at home than any foreign war.

In September, Alaska had a special treat - my daughter Dana and her family came to visit. Jesse's parents came as well, and we hiked, fished, drank celery juice, ate healthy foods (and some not-so-healthy ones), rode four-wheelers, soaked up the sun on the rock-beach at Camp Battle Dawgs, played with the sled-dogs, and traveled to off-the-grid places where we could see 100's of caribou. We enjoyed just being together.

So when to go back to Virignia? Definitely not until after the election. I finally received my absentee ballot today. I've applied three times. I hope it gets back in time and doesn't get thrown out. Or changed. I don't trust mail voting, but there is no choice.

The good part of 2020?

I was forced to slow down and pay more attention to what is important: Like who is running for office. I had time to work on my health and healing. I had more time for family and close friends. And most importantly - I was more focused on my relationship with my Father in Heaven. I miss Church and unlike many, I love organized religion. But I can talk to my Father no matter where I am or what I'm doing. I don't need to go to Church to hang out with Him. Whether I'm on the beaches of Virginia, or the wilderness of Alaska. These are all very important things. Does the good outweigh the bad? I like to think so.

SNOW-FEET

This morning I woke up to snow falling, and people asked me how much snow we have and what is the temperature? I figured the best way to find out is to use my bare feet as measurement tools. It feels to be in the very low '30s and only 2-3 inches so far.

Below 30 degrees, the feet would be BLUE.

I'm used to the snow being like golf balls in October, but today it is non-stop small flakes, getting larger by the hour, creating a winter-wonderland. Last year they had nine-feet of snow and 40 below weather for three months. Rick says it wasn't fun. But Jen and some others jumped off the second floor porch into the snow. I want to do that.

This is Taj. Remember him from another blog? I have been discussing with Taj when to leave for Virginia. He's not a fan of my leaving. It's hard to leave those eyes, plus he has a lot to say to anyone willing to listen. I wonder if I can get the condo in Virginia to change their rules about big dogs living there? Taj asked me to ask.

I planned to stay until Christmas but am missing those cute grandkids of mine. All nine of them. Even the one who likes to stick her tongue out at me when we do FaceTime. That little darling is named after me: Olivia Deborah. She seems to have my feistiness as well. Poor baby. Actually, I think she's going to need that toughness to survive.

BE WELL ~ BE SAFE ~ BE HAPPY

It's Still a Jungle Out There