Dianne Watson (Rankin)
Thanks to Rick and Claire for sharing the heartbreaking news about Danny's passing and
to Mark for his heartwarming memories of him . I really enjoyed getting to know Danny better at our last two reunions and at a WHS graduation we both attended when Danny's nephew graduated.Danny was just beaming with pride, and it was clear from his other family members who were there that Danny was that special uncle everyone would love to have.
At moments like these I am especially grateful to Joe and Claire for making this forum possible for us to stay connected. Tears are welling up as I write this. There is something extra special about keeping in touch with people you knew way back then. Wishing everyone well as we make our way through these unsettling times.
A friend shared a poem that resonated with me that I'm going to try and share here. My best to all,
Dianne W
Pandemic
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
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