Dear Friends,
These are interesting and challenging days in which we are living. In recent weeks many new words have been added to our vocabulary or new definitions used for words long in usage. The Webster’s dictionary that I consult when doing crossword puzzles (it helps to be successful if you spell the word correctly) was printed in 1969 when Richard Nixon was President of the United States. Today I decided to use it to check on some definitions.
Take zoom for example. The dictionary says that the definition is to “make a loud, low-pitched, buzzing or humming sound or to climb suddenly and sharply.” There is no mention of remote staff conferences, meetings, or family gatherings by computer. In fact, the word computer is defined as a person or thing that computes—and the availability of a personal computer was still more than a decade away.
Next I turned to pause. The fifty-year-old printed word says that it is “temporary stop or rest; hesitation; a term used in playing music; or to make one uncertain.” These days the words cancellation and postponed are being applied to most events and activities. Pause has also come into common usage, as it relates to this chapter of living our lives and also to business and commerce in the world. Take note that the definition says that this is a temporary situation and that it can mean taking a rest. This may be the part that we as retirees want to focus on as we adjust to the new normal.
There are likely some positive things that will come out of the virus pandemic; call them silver linings in the dark clouds. Perhaps you have found the time to visit or reconnect with friends and family by telephone or a handwritten letter or social media. Reading more books, planting a garden, cooking more meals, sharing with neighbors, checking in on church members, and giving to nonprofit organizations are all activities that can fill our days as well as our hearts.
Another word that is in the dictionary is retire. I decided to check it out because we are the UTIA Retirees Association. I believe the members of this organization could and should rewrite this definition. In my years with this organization I have observed a vibrant, active membership—not close to the dictionary definition of “withdraw, retreat or go to bed!”
My hope and my prayer for each of us is for good health and successful, enjoyable days. May faith, fellowship, and friendship be our companions as we go forth.
Sincerely,
Ruth
Ruth Henderson McQueen