Hearing Joanne...

    Even arriving at the walk-in, audiology clinic at 7:00 a.m., I was third in line for its opening at 7:30 today. They're only open until 11:00 and once their quota is filled its "come back another time."  But, all was well, the repaired aid (or replacement) will arrive in the mail in about two weeks, and I was home shortly after 8:00.
   This is where Joanne enters the story.  After her death a wise friend suggested taking her hearing aids to Costco, where she bought them, and have them re-programmed for me. Which I did. So, now while the VA fixes mine I use one of Joanne's, thus "hearing Joanne."
    Time in Asia is vacation from the most profound part of the presence of absence.  Returning to an empty condo filled with reminders of Joanne has brought me back to the presence of absence.  She loved Valentine's Day.  It was just made for her gift of remembering persons who were important to her. 
    Abigail Adams (see below) certainly had a way with words. What she much have suffered through the long separation from John can only be imagined.  This is a world of much trial and tribulation which is a good reminder for us to be kind to all because all suffer in her/his own way.

"On this day in 1779, Abigail Adams sent a letter to France, to her husband, John Adams, who was there serving as an ambassador for the newly formed United States.

John Adams had left for France exactly one year before Abigail wrote a letter that begins:

My Dearest Friend          Febry. 13. 1779
This is the Anniversary of a very melancholy Day to me, it rose upon me this morning with the recollection of Scenes too tender to Name. — Your own Sensibility will supply your Memory and dictate to your pen a kind remembrance of those dear connections to whom you waved an adieu, whilst the full Heart and weeping Eye followed your foot steps till intervening objects obstructed the Sight.

This Anniversary shall ever be more particularly Devoted to my Friend till the happy Day arrives that shall give him back to me again. Heaven grant that it may not be far distant, and that the blessings which he has so unweariedly and constantly sought after may crown his Labours and bless his country. 

From 1788 to 1798, John Adams was in Europe, with only occasional visits home to see his family. Abigail stayed home, ran the family farm, raised their children, and wrote her husband many letters."  today's Writer's Almanac.

Takk for alt,

Al