Delightful Diversions in Troubled Times

Skip to the third paragraph (after italics) to avoid my current events rant.

The world is a scary place now, but the world is scary someplace all the time. For those of us living in the United States, we have been blessed with minimal upheaval throughout our lives. But our world grows scarier day by day. We are bombarded by unwelcome, unwanted, worrisome change in too many areas of our lives: medical care, education, recreation, social services, foreign affairs; divide and conquer the Administration mantra. Minorities fear violence, immigrants fear deportation, women fear the disintegration of their rights, the President’s opponents fear retribution. We fear current economic and Federal budget proposals will devastate the economy for years – maybe generations. Planning for tomorrow proves difficult when policies change frequently and domestic and global events demolish our sense of stability and safety.

But we go on one day at a time. We try to shield our children from the angst adults feel as much as possible. When older folks are blessed with the presence of the younger generation, our happiness meter spirals as we enjoy activities that make us smile and temporarily brush aside our concerns.

My son and granddaughter descended for a five-day visit, and I participated in activities not part of my routine – a 12.5-mile bike ride, a 3-mile stroll through air-conditioned outlet stores and along the beach under a scorching sun, and an evening on the Ocean City NJ Boardwalk. We walked, ate delicious calorie-laden food, and purchased souvenirs. Back home we played card games and Mah Jongg, and toured Lucy the Elephant. 

The highlight of our time together was an evening with the Beach Boys, in concert at the Ocean City Music Pier. I listened to the songs of my teen years, a time long past, and relished the pulsating atmosphere. Mostly older folks populated the audience, but there was a sprinkling of all ages. Not an elaborate high-tech spectacle, but the energy radiated was felt by all. A nostalgic tribute to Brian Wilson, who passed on June 11^th, played on a screen. Two original band members – Mike Love, 84, and Bruce Johnson, 83 – joined a younger group of enthusiastic musicians. The two seniors remained on stage throughout the hour and a half concert, singing, dancing, shuffling, moving – although not quite as vigorously as years ago! 

When my son and granddaughter returned home I hit the wall – exhaustion overcame me, but I recovered after an evening on the couch and a long night’s sleep.

I settled back into my routine, admittedly a slower-paced schedule than experienced the previous five days. But I look forward to more visitors over the next couple of months, and the activity and ‘organized chaos’ of summer. As colder weather and longer nights arrive and folks face TV and media screens, the negativity currently experienced in the country will once again overwhelm and depress. 

But meanwhile let the summer sun shine bright.