Some of the peripheral events precipitated by The Bob can be amusing at times. Oh, I know the disease itself isn’t amusing, nor are the deaths stemming from it, but you have to admit, that being required to wear masks to a bank is amusing. And ironic. Until this time, wearing a mask was an occasion for panic for bank tellers. Now not wearing a mask is cause for panic.
Some things are only amusing on a personal level. I talked to my sister the other day, and in the course of the conversation, I told her I hadn’t gotten her anything for Christmas. Shopping is just too difficult, but even more difficult it getting the gifts through the post office. (I sent a package to Nevada, and after spending a week in Denver, it went to Tucson where it spent another week. Go figure.) I thought of sending her a bit of money, but that didn’t seem very festive.
She admitted to the same problem. She wanted to get me a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Not that I’m much of a drinker, but if we are together around the date of my mother’s death, we get a bottle and toast her. She did like the stuff, though seldom drank it, but Bailey’s is something that connects the three of us in a nebulous (dare I say “spirit”ual sort of way?)
Anyway, my sister found a company that would ship a bottle to me, but the cost was exorbitant. So we compromised. I bought a bottle and tagged it as coming from her, and she bought a bottle and tagged it as if coming from me.
Such a simple, and amusing solution.
I’m raising a glass and making a toast that all the problems stemming from The Bob will be as quickly and as easily resolved.
***
Pat Bertram is the author of Grief: The Inside Story – A Guide to Surviving the Loss of a Loved One. “Grief: The Inside Story is perfect and that is not hyperbole! It is exactly what folk who are grieving need to read.” –Leesa Healy, RN, GDAS GDAT, Emotional/Mental Health Therapist & Educator
Bertram's Blog 
December 22, 2020 at 1:27 pm
It is very nice have a toast.
Bailey’s Irish Cream. One day I am going to try it.
Simply one experience to share.
Ten-fifteen years ago I have tried to listen “LES NOCES DE FIGARO”
From Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
with a bottle of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Bordeaux.
With subtitle in French.
Unfortunately my wife is not interested because three hours comédie musical.
I have started one hour after dinner 9 pm until midnight.
My wife came at about ten pm stayed with me for 10 minutes and went to sleep. (I never took wine without food after dinner)
I have finished only half bottle. But the experience is wonderful.
Now no more music more than three years.
No more dvd or Blu-ray.
No tv at all.
The combination of good wine and good music is interesting.
The same time the conversation too. I believe Pat you are a good conversationalist. For me conversion is an art.
So have a good toast of Bailey’s Irish Cream and good health
December 22, 2020 at 3:41 pm
Yeah, I discovered the post office problems firsthand sending some members of my family Hanukkah gifts. Even a few envelopes take weeks to show up!
December 23, 2020 at 7:07 pm
Having worked in retail for many years, the sight of all the masked folks in the store still fills me with a sort of dread.
A parcel with your (physical) book made it to my city several weeks back, but thereupon disappeared into the ether. I ordered a replacement copy, but I’m informed it won’t ship until sometime in January. I guess the kindle version might have been a better option after all. Hopefully, the delay in shipping means it’s selling like hotcakes?
December 24, 2020 at 7:41 am
I don’t know why there would be a delay. Amazon shows that they have several copies in stock. (Unfortunately, it is not selling like hotcakes, but I still have hope!)
The whole mail situation is getting absurd. There seems to be more disappearances than ever before.
December 25, 2020 at 8:57 am
I like Bailey’s Irish Cream, but can no longer drink it. Raise a glass for me!
December 25, 2020 at 9:56 am
Here’s to a better new year!