A package arrived from reader Kathy in Iowa. In it were two of these wonderful masks. We love them, Kathy. Don wore his today; he had to make a quick run to the store for yogurt. Thank you so much!
We both woke up way too early this morning. I have to fight that tendency toward irritability that comes when I’m way too tired. I’m going to mow this morning – the front lawn needs it. Plus, I’ll have an activity which always seems to help when I have had too little sleep. So I’m writing this post a bit earlier than usual so I can head outside after we have our second cup of coffee.
Also, we have a heat advisory posted from noon until 8 this evening. Heat indexes going up to 100 degrees. Best that I mow early. I can’t pick a better day as it’s going to be this way all week long.
I read an article yesterday that puts my stresses with lockdown in perspective. It’s written by Danny Burstein, who is a multiple Tony nominee for his work on Broadway. He is married to another Tony nominee, Rebecca Luker. They are enormously talented. I have worked with both of them (on the same show) and two more down-to-earth and kind people you could never hope to meet. Rebecca was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year. Both she and Danny had COVID-19. Danny’s experience with COVID was frightening and he is still suffering from lingering effects and complications. Rebecca’s condition has quickly progressed and Danny has had to be her caregiver, even while trying to recover from COVID.
I read it aloud to Don (who has worked with Danny) and both of us are heartsick that these two wonderful people have had to suffer through all of this. I urge you to read Danny’s story. He speaks movingly about Becca and her illness and his fears and being out of work (he was in Moulin Rouge when Broadway shut down) and worrying about the state of theater and whether he will get any work in the future. Something that we worry about every day. Here’s the link.
My prayers are with them today and every day.
Stay safe.
Happy Tuesday.
Marion Shaw says
Claudia-thank you so much for adding the link. My heart went out to this couple who are facing incredible life threatening challenges with such grace. It is gut wrenching to read but I hope so many will read it and realize Covid-19 is not something to take lightly.
My prayers are with them.
Marion
Claudia says
Thank you, Marion.
Kay says
I woke up irritable today and read the story you linked. Now I need to put my own self-pity in perspective. My father-in-law was diagnosed with ALS within a month of our moving back home to WI so our children, 7 mo. and 2 at the time, could be near their grandparents. It was not a pleasant illness to witness as it progressed and took him in less than a year and a half. I feel so badly for this couple.
Take care.
Kay
Claudia says
Thank you, Kay.
Linda says
So so sad
I asked God to forgive me for complaining about this awful humidity
Sometimes it takes a story like this to wake us up
So much pain in this world
Claudia says
I agree.
Thank you, Linda.
Donnamae says
Great masks from Kathy!
I am heart-broken after reading Danny and Becca’s story. My heart goes out to both of them. There is so much suffering that comes with Covid…it truly is frightening. This piece makes me wish that all the doubters, and non-mask wearers, would read Danny’s account. It might just change a few minds. I will keep them in my heart.
Stay safe! ;)
Claudia says
Thank you, Donnamae.
Chris K in Wisconsin says
So incredibly sad. Yes, keeping things in perspective is so important, and so easily forgotten. Another one I would suggest is the story I saw this morning on the Today show about Richard Engel and his wife and their son who has special needs. Those needs haven’t been able to be met during this time due to the Pandemic. Necessary things we need to be reminded of as we get stressed or depressed.
I hope our weather today is headed your way. It is only supposed to get up to 82* and our dew point is only 58*. Hubs is at the Polls today, so if you are in WI, hope you make the time to VOTE if you haven’t already done so by mail!!!!!!!!! Your vote matters!!!!
Claudia says
I didn’t see that story but I am aware of his son having special needs. I’ll look for it, Chris.
Thanks!
tammy j says
no words. tears.
to fight covid … and ALS too. unimaginable for most of us.
thank you Claudia. and prayers for Peace to Danny and Becca.
Claudia says
Thank you, Tammy!
Robin says
Thank you Claudia for sharing this article. For Danny and Becca to have to go through so much at once…….as Danny stated every anti-mask person should spend an hour in a Covid ward.
Take care Claudia and drink lots of fluids! So hot to be out mowing.❤️❤️
Claudia says
I drank lots of water, Robin!
Thank you.
jeanie says
Thank you so much for sharing the link. I was shocked when I first heard of her diagnosis some months ago. It feels so wrong for anyone to have that awful disease, much less someone so young and talented as she. I have long admired the talent of both of them and it makes me smile to hear they are both good, nice people, too. I’m so sorry they have to experience this with Covid, the work situation and the ALS change. I will read the article next.
I hope the mow helped a bit. We left the lake yesterday for a few days at home and managed to land smack in the middle of a heat uptick and more humidity. We did have a nice distanced morning coffee with my next door neighbor this morning. They are being as careful as we are, which is a plus.
I hope you can lay low a bit and let a heavy heart rest — and maybe a few muscles and bones, too.
Claudia says
Happy Birthday, Jeanie!!! I’m sorry you hit the humidity when you arrived. It’s here, as well.
Have a wonderful day!
xo
Brenda B says
I am enjoying looking at the shows on which Don acted. Quite good and so talented. I spend my time on hobbies, reviewing books, teaching the kids online FaceTime, etc. I do not do social media and never have. I saw the problems caused when I taught and when students took told me time they spent on social media I was shocked. Oh well whatever one likes and enjoys. Take care and stay safe please please .brenda b
Claudia says
Just as with anything, there are good and bad aspects to social media. It’s how you handle it.
Frankly, I get breaking news much faster through Twitter. And I love the beautiful photos on Instagram.
Thanks for watching Don, Brenda!
xo
Nora Mills says
So many heart-breaking stories from people suffering from the poor management of Covid. It seems that bad luck goes along with the virus. I can hardly stand to hear about the long-term sufferers. You and Don are so smart in taking all of this seriously. The masks are great! Stay hydrated and cool tonight. Some folks in CT are still without power and I haven’t heard anything about cooling stations which makes me really sad and scared. Sent with love–N
Claudia says
We drank lots of water. I can’t imaging how difficult this weather is for those who still don’t have power. I hope there are cooling stations…there should be!
Stay safe, Nora.
Tana says
I read the link. The article was so touching and heart-breaking. I will be praying for them.
Claudia says
Thank you, Tana.
Robyn C says
Love the masks.
In the middle of returning my house to normality after the old fridge went and the new one came. Got lots more to do. Wish we had a little of your warm temperatures.
Claudia says
It’s a bit too warm, Robyn!
Thanks!
kathy in iowa says
hej, claudia and everyone else!
just catching up after two and a half days without electricity/air conditioning/cellphone due to that derecho. terrible damage all over, looks rather like a war zone ….
horrible for people that i work with who depend on supplemental oxygen and power-chairs. several calls for paramedics. not fun at home, either … still have to empty the refrigerator and freezer, but tonight i get to take a hot shower. anyway … these things will get better.
hope you’ve all been well, kept cool.
glad you like the masks, claudia. hope they keep people at least six feet away from you and don.
stay safe!
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
Love the masks! Sorry about the power. Friends of ours in CT just got their power back yesterday, a week after the hurricane. It is not fun.
Stay safe, Kathy.