Not Present

I haven’t been present here much, and for the most discouraging of reasons.

About four weeks ago, Kathy’s younger sister Alice Emigh went into the hospital with a dreadful illness (not Covid).  Kathy flew East to be with her, but New York got new lockdown rules, and Kathy wasn’t allowed into the hospital to see Alice until she finally got special permission last week.  Alice was horribly ill and either unconscious or semi-conscious, and Kathy had to try to coordinate tests, treatment, and medical personnel over the phone.

At least she has a place to stay, since the hospital gave Kathy the keys to Alice’s house and car.

Despite excellent care on the part of the Albany Medical Center, Alice succumbed to a perfect storm of disease and passed away a few days ago.  Kathy now has to deal with Alice’s estate, and it’s unclear how long that will take.

Sometime after the pandemic drags to a close there will be a memorial for Alice, probably on Long Island where Kathy and Alice were raised.

As for me, I have been, ah— I think fretful is probably the best word— and I’m all too aware that the pandemic is blowing up again, and that if either Kathy or I get sick, the other will be thousands of miles away and able to do but fuck-all.

So I’m trying to stay locked down and safe.  I’ve got plenty of work, food, and alcohol.  I’m just not in the most bouncy frame of mind.

Stay safe, all.