Auld Lang Syne

 A 92 year old friend phoned today to express her gratitude for our friendship this year.  It was a strange year to attempt closeness while social distancing.  At a time that loving people meant staying away from them, maintaining connection was challenging.  To express love without hugging was frustrating for many people.  Our heads understood the health risks but our hearts longed for the ability to greet and embrace each other. 

We have learned to never take these simple expressions for granted.  Eye contact.  Hugs.  Travel.  Visits.  Hopefully soon we can once again welcome loved ones in to our home.  We can attend the theatre and sports events.  We can return to our favorite restaurants.  We can vacation and discover new places.  

Let’s not forget to continue making an effort to stay connected.  Phone calls matter. Visits matter even if you are masked and chatting from a safe distance. 

We lost so many dear friends this year. How we long for just one more conversation with them.  One more hug.  

Our friends and support systems kept us going when we were at our lowest during this pandemic.  It isn’t over  but we have learned where to turn for humor, strength, compassion, faith and empathy. We learned who we could be quarantined with and survive.  We learned more about sacrifice.  

We have witnessed despair.  We have seen enormous loss.  We have also seen the magical ability of the human spirit. We saw health care workers and essential workers give so much.  We heard folks cheer and bang pots and pans to celebrate them.  We have mourned every loss.  We have celebrated every patient who made it through.  

Our children taught us resilience.  Our elderly once again exhibited unimaginable fortitude.  Each and every time we were down, love lifted us back up.

The lyrics to Auld Lang Syne ring true this year.  It is time to say goodbye to 2020.  So let’s sing the song even if we only partially understand the words.  

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

Chorus:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Chorus

We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered manya weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

Chorus

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

Chorus

And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Chorus