This Made Me Cry... for some reason

I'm not sure why but when I read this it made me start to cry. Maybe because of the generosity. Maybe because I can maintain equilibrium these days by just not thinking - not thinking about how life has changed, how the future is so unclear, how so many opportunities are off the table now. 

" We understand there are aspects of your Knox experience right now—athletics, student leadership opportunities, and theatre, dance, and musical performances, among others—that may be affected by the current pandemic. So, as you consider your plans for the fall, we want to let you know about our new “Fifth Year for Free Guarantee.” If you are enrolled at Knox full-time for the entire 2020-21 academic year, you can return to campus for up to one additional year of study, tuition-free—and take part in more of the opportunities you’ve been looking forward to. "

You know me -- I start to cry when I go to Home Depot and see everyone in masks, trying to maintain normal life, trying to keep going. Gigi is the same as me. We were a mess after just picking up milk at the Jewel. Richard & Jackson are out in the world a bit more than we are and have been solid about taking on the shopping and so on.

Mostly we use this blog to connect in a positive way. I wanted to share this feeling even if it's not upbeat.

Chewing Gum in the Past

 Dear Family:

No photo this time, just a quaint blast from the past.  I have been sorting through Great-Aunt Ettie's things that came in the blue box from John Bender.  I found a letter written by Blanche Bender (Ettie and Grandpa's sister) dated April 1, 1900.  In these times of racial unrest, there are parts of it that I would be reluctant to pass along, even though they are an accurate reflection of those times.  However, there was one amusing section I thought I would pass on to you.  She is telling Ettie about a "social" that was held at the home of Dr. Evans.  (Don't know who he is, there are quite a few references to people unknown to me.)  Anyway, she relates what a friend of hers told her about an "amusement for a social".  I will quote the letter.

"Somebody here had it and Jessie Ewing told me about it.  First you are presented with a slip of pasteboard (a calling card not engraved would do) on which is written the name of an animal.  (The guests are not to know anything about this before arriving).  You must not show anyone your card.  Then chewing gum is handed around and you take a cake and so does everyone else and you chew and chew and laugh and act silly, of course.  When it has the sweet out and is soft and pliable, then you must mold your gum in the shape of the animal whose name is on your card.  After all are through, the cards are collected and placed in a row so the names cannot be seen and the guests guess what they are.  They are numbered and as you write the name of the animal you write the number (on a piece of paper which you are given).  There is of course a prize and a booby prize.  Jessie said ‘twas lots of fun.  I should think it would be."

Chewing gum?  Not what I expected for 1900!

Love,

Gilly