by There are so many ways our individual lives, as well as our society, are being impacted by the pandemic. This is one that I haven’t seen talked about much. I appreciate Terrie’s thoughtfulness and insights.
Trump refuses to denounce QAnon — and other key moments from tonight’s town halls—Politico
Giuliani’s daughter backs Biden: ‘The only way to end this nightmare is to vote.’—The New York Times
Judiciary Democrats try to delay Barrett confirmation after CNN’s KFile finds omissions in Senate paperwork—CNN
October 15, 2020
A huge void
by Terrie Turner, Palm Springs-Palm Desert area, California
A large number of retirees—many, but not all, of whom are seniors—are missing a meaningful and fulfilling part of their lives. The mainstream word is volunteering. I call it, “making a difference” in other people’s lives, as well as in one’s own life. The data indicates that the most vulnerable to dying of Covid 19 is this demographic, and in many cases, this demographic represents the majority of volunteers. Not being able to volunteer can create a huge void.
For the past few years, I myself volunteered one day a week at my synagogue and half a day at the library in the community where I live. Both are now closed.
Visiting the sick, reading to patients with Alzheimer’s, reading to children in a school, greeting and answering questions in a hospital, helping in a veterinarian clinic—these are just some of the activities that are now being held in abeyance.
My friend Micki volunteered for many years in the ICU at Eisenhower Hospital. She has been with people in their times of pain and grief, as well as joy. Through the years, people have remembered how much she gave during these times of sadness and fear. Micki and I never have a conversation without her saying how much she misses the hospital. And since we both belong to the same synagogue, she knows how much I miss my “Tuesdays at Sinai.”
Prior to moving out to the desert, I took an eight-session course offered by the Board of Rabbis and was assigned to a hospital in Los Angeles, where I visited the Jewish patients. I brought prayer and offered conversation. My certification was as a para-chaplain, but many wanted to believe I was a rabbi. So many memories come to mind of crying, and even laughing, sharing prayers with the most wonderful people. I often wondered, “Who was healing whom?”
All of you for whom this piece of your life is missing, I encourage you to take a break. During the times that you would have been volunteering, turn off the TV, stop reading the news, and find something to bring you joy and comfort. Call a friend or relative you haven’t been in touch with, pick up a “just for fun” or “beach read” book—or try writing a post for Ruth’s Corona Support Blog. I just did.
Ruth Neuwald Falcon 
Thank you Terrie for a thoughtful and caring essay. Giving, like love, makes the world go round. Both give us an opportunity to open ourselves a bit. I loved your line about who was healing whom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sue. I have read all your posts and appreciate how often you articulated that which I was feeling. It’s comforting to know that while in isolation, we are not alone. Stay well and safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Terrie, It was so nice to “be with you” while reading your post just now. I felt like we were sitting in the same room. And of course you make a number of good points. I wish you could come up and see us. Oh this covid thing grrrrrrrrrr. Stay well, Wendy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Wendy. I wish we were together also. I dream of the day I visit again, but it doesn’t look like I will be flying there any time soon. Take care and stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So lovely to read your piece, Terrie. I could hear your voice in my head and it made me miss you. Stay well, my friend.
Lisa Dudley
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Lisa. Please say hello to Seth. I hope you and your family are well and safe, and had a nice holiday. Sending hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Terrie…I agree with Ruth that I had not thought about this piece of what is missing for many people during this pandemic. You are absolutely right, and I, personally, am actually missing out because of this, also! In the past few years I have volunteered in our senior residence to lead both a resident chorus and a theater troupe. Now I can do neither and my days, therefore, are way too long and too empty. Thanks for pointing out this lack of volunteering and how poignant is its loss..
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks you! I concur that volunteering is one of the aspects of being a retiree that can make this latter part of our lives exremely rewarding. As you say, some of our normal channels have been cut down, but there are many things we can still do. There are multiple opportunites to phone bank or write letters to get out the vote, and that too is very, very satisfying – and so necessary in this crucial election.
LikeLiked by 2 people