Page 3 - DCBE_Mag_Layout_JULY2020_BinderProof_Neat

JULY 2020 3 DeCordova Bend Estates LIFE

from the publisher
Do I tell you I love you enough?

Y ou know I can’t pass up the opportunity to talk to you guys, and besides, I’ve missed you. I’ve been sheltering in my home now since March 13th
except for the limited runs to the grocery store for us and my 88 year old Mother, who I also insisted isolate. My husband Kenny and I starting
sheltering in place fairly early because, with his congestive heart failure and Parkinson’s disease, we just can’t take the chance for him. He is already
terribly compromised. We’ve actually been doing okay with it and have only experienced one incident where murder was being considered. (snicker,
snicker) Seriously though, for us, the main thing is the safety and well being of all those we love, and even all those we don’t. (snicker, snicker again)
And yes... I’m wearing a mask when I go out. I would just never do anything or take a position for myself where there was the possibility it could effect
someone else’s life, especially in such a negative and permanent way. When it comes to something I cherish so strongly for myself... like life, I certainly
shouldn’t selfishly impose a risk on someone else. I could just never take that chance or be that sure, nor could I live with the results of being wrong. And
when it comes to someone else’s life choice (literally) is certainly, by no right, my call.
Honestly, it seems like such a small sacrifice in the scope of this life to ensure the safety of my family and yours, and having just passed Memorial Day, it
seems like an extremely small sacrifice. Heck... I would do so much more than that to save even a stranger’s life. It doesn’t seem like a threat to my
personal freedoms or a political statement so much as a simple common courtesy extended in a society for the well being of all or even a statement of love.
And besides, I read some place once (wink) that “I am my brother’s keeper” and I believed it, so I proceed always with that thought, belief and understanding.
I’d like to think that at my darkest hour, even the stranger that crosses my path, will pause to extend a hand, or a heart.
And whether we like it or not... We are all in this together. So... we can strive to get along and unite for each other and in an effort of support for our country
we are so blessed to be a part of as well as this world full of “all God’s children”, try to scrape out some good for our futures through the grief, and rise up
and be better versions of ourselves, for all of humanity and our magnificent planet... or not. The choice is before us. I choose humanity, empathy, love
and this magnificent planet.
It’s never been enough for me that “I’m okay” when I see those around me that are not. And I’ve always understood that just because “I’m okay”, doesn’t
mean everything is right in the world or that I should take comfort in “my” blessings as a reward nor should I sit in silence regarding those who still suffer.
I simply think “I’m okay” means I’m in a good or better position to help others. It’s really so simple and easy, we’ve all been helped, so just... pay it forward.
We should pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (from that same book)
I also need to acknowledge all first responders and front line workers for their brave service to us all. All those so often ignored and overlooked are now
the heros in this fight. They are the keepers of our lives, sometimes literally. Many go to work because they need to feed their families, so many others
because it is a calling and just what they do. SERVICE. I hope I have never been guilty of overlooking all those people that do jobs that are essential and
crucial, that make the rest of our lives better. Or have ever judge those that are less fortunate. I hope that I have always been thankful to have a warm bed
to curl up in with my full stomach at the end of each day... because in the blink of an eye, “There by the grace of God go I.”
So... forgive the preaching, it is not my intent, but just my way of working through the emotions that fill my heart and head at this horrible time in our lives.
I am floored by the number of souls lost, and by floored I mean, I fall to my knees. I grieve and pray for those lost, especially those that died alone, the
masses of family members in grief, all those at risk holding it together for us... and I pray for you. I want you to be safe and well because... I love you.
announcements & information

Rancho Brazos Food and Pantry Drive

Sponsored by the DeCordova Woman’s Club
Saturday, July 11th, 2020 ~ 9:00am - 2:00pm
Drop off at DCBE Club House or 4310 Fairway Drive

Rancho Brazos is currently serving approximately 125 Hood County children breakfast and lunch each weekday.
Groceries are available for their families’ other meals. Rancho Brazos has also set up a pantry, supported by donations.
In addition to food; cleaning products, paper products, and especially hygiene products are very much needed.
Rent and utility bill assistance is also available.
The need is extremely great with so many parents out of work. Please consider making a donation from the list below.
Checks or cash are also appreciated. Please make checks payable to Rancho BRazos community centeR.

Feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, facial tissue, paper towels, paper plates,
Shelf stable canned and dry goods, Kids’ snacks,
Laundry soap, bleach, dryer sheets, dish soap, cleaning wipes, spray cleaners,
Shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes