The Do-Over

Day 23

I called my brother first thing this morning. We talked for about an hour. I was worried about him after seeing his pallid and drawn face yesterday during our Zoom meeting. He has been sick with intestinal problems for the past few weeks. An illness or brought on by stress? We had a good chat and I was glad I called him.

It's so hard to know when a person is in distress. Several years ago there was a person who claimed to be suicidal and I dropped everything and rushed to her side. Turns out I was entirely deceived by her; she was manipulative not suicidal.

Another person dear to me was all smiles and never let on to me that he needed help. Self-murder. I loved him. With hindsight I can see signs of his anguish and misery, but at the time I was oblivious.

I would rather err on the side of looking foolish rather than mourning the loss of a loved one. Thus I said to my dear brother, who responded with a laugh as well as an acknowledgement. We're all doing the best we can with what we've got.

40° heatwave

[Blast from the past: his mother and mine were best friends growing up, so we spent quite a bit of time together as kids.] A guy I know gave a talk on "The Do-over." Basically it's going back and doing things again. Definitely worth thinking about. https://youtu.be/odw-8Z_ncnw I especially liked when he reminded us that as Catholics we learn that there is always a chance for a Do-over. It's called confession.

I managed to do schoolwork with M. He'd already done some while I was on the phone. It was nice to take a break and pray with him, something we do most mornings.

Here's a dilemma: How do I respond when he asks about breaking the laws of the Church, specifically:
#1. To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holydays of obligation.
#4. To receive Holy Communion during the Easter time.

The catechism #282: A Catholic who through his own fault misses Mass on Sunday or holyday of obligation commits a mortal sin.
#295: A Catholic who neglects to receive Holy Communion worthily during the Easter time commits a mortal sin.

"It's okay now to miss Mass because the churches are closed. The churches are closed because the bishops are concerned for our physical health. It's not a mortal sin because you don't have access to the sacraments. Yes, the church used to practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, especially helping the sick and dying. Yes, St. Damien went to the leper colony to bring them the sacraments. Yes, he had his bishop's approval. Do the bishops still care about our spiritual health? Umm..."

I'd planned to go in to work for a few hours this morning, but was feeling lousy with allergies so I stayed home. Glad I did, because the computer system wasn't re-set until 1:30. I did lie down for a couple of hours with a wet compress over my eyes. Felt better when I got up, but back to itchy eyes and sneezing this evening.

Went for a walk with C about 5pm. Gorgeous out. The sun had broken through the overcast. The road is drying out. The snow is melting back.

using up corn tortillas

Listened to the city manager's report on the radio while making dinner. It was very thorough. The police are meeting planes and checking that arrivals have permits to enter the city. Villagers are welcome, but if a cop doesn't recognize a person as a local, the person will be stopped and questioned. Masks are not mandatory because the state hasn't issued a mandate. Every boat captain must submit a health plan. Canneries will be keeping their workers quarantined. Etc. What strange times we live in when the average joe begs for martial law to be implemented.

The lads did go for one last zip around the yard. Seemed to be having fun!