Plague Journal, Connection
Yesterday was Memorial Day. I read of several remembrance ceremonies for our veterans, and for those who died in wars. I is hard to conceive of dying in war as hallowed, an event with transcendent meaning. War is a nightmare, a feast of death, the failure of government to deliver the welfare of communities, the well-being of cities of people. In past generations war has come when ego-intoxicated or deranged individuals rise to power in government. War becomes inevitable. Having said as much, Memorial Day ought to be a day of national mourning, of recognizing the sacredness of those who are alive. The dead are a loss which we cannot remedy.
We gathered together intentionally, carefully, with much forethought to have a day of celebration as a family. The loneliness suffered due to the lack of face to face contact has been palpable. We arranged the lawn chairs in a big circle on the backyard grass. Sufficient distance between the seating allowed for social distancing. The food was placed on the picnic table on the deck. Naturally much of our 
conversation was about the consequences of the covid-19 virus upon our daily lives, and our speculation about the near future. Everyone has been effected greatly. Livelihoods stand to be disrupted in ways that we cannot foresee. Nevertheless it is comforting to be open with family members about the weight of 
responsibility and concerns that are common.
The flowers around the yard are coming into early summer bloom. The iris plants which were in bud just the day before, on this day were in full splendor of yellow bloom. 
The intense yellow heads heavy with dew, flexed the long stems. A cluster of chive plants, gave off a slight onion like scent. The blue flowered mint plants around the white Buddha give a slight fragrance when one bends close. A family member had an iphone app that produces the identification of a garden plant when a photo is taken. We were duly educated as we walked.
The young children within the family delighted all of us. Our youngest family member, six months old, enjoyed her first experience in a swimming pool in the warm sun. Her obvious enjoyment of the water is a sign that she will learn to swim at a young age. I wonder if she will follow in her mother’s footsteps to become a 
lifeguard?
Another young family member explores the outdoors with zest, particularly if a creek is involved with bullfrogs to hunt. Assisted by his two aunts he returned with an adult bullfrog that was lured into his net. He reported this frog is his largest catch so far for the season.
