COVID-19, vitamin C, and Thanksgiving
The Malvern Daily Record newspaper of Nov. 11, 2020 had a special section, “Celebrating Our Veterans.” There are many photographs from all branches of the military, and while many are deceased, there are also those who are living. This is a great thing for the newspaper to do for these veterans and for families of the deceased to honor their loved ones.
A friend, Helen, who now resides in Wilmington, Delaware, (we met when we worked in Germany, she for the US Army and I for the USAF), has sent many newspapers covering the past few weeks’ activities there.
One column was about a 57-year old (Trona) whose doctor had told her to check herself into the hospital to be treated for COVID-19. She was determined to vote in the Presidential election, talked with officials, and before the polls opened at 7 a.m., she was at her polling place near the tiny town of Three Springs, PA. She wore an N95 and another mask over that, plus two sets of gloves. The officials brought the paperwork out, and she completed on the hood of her car. From there, she went to the hospital. Her home state of Pennsylvania would become the focus of national attention while Joe Biden and Donald Trump competed for its twenty electoral votes. However, late the first night, Trona’s mind was no longer on the election since the elderly woman who was her roommate in the COVID-19 ward, was having severe difficulties. Trona got up, went over and held the woman’s hand and prayed with her. Trona also sang “How Great Thou Art.” Shortly afterward when nurses informed her that the woman had died, she wept. “It just broke my heart that she was there with no family members present.” But for Trona, the devastating effects of the virus made the presidential election feel far away. Several days later, she was sitting in her car in the hospital parking lot, feeling “shaky” and trying to work up the nerve to make the drive home. She had a bag filled with medicines, and a long recovery ahead of her. So off she went as she wanted to be home with her husband.
The photograph of Trona in the hospital showed a young-looking woman. I was amazed that anyone could drive after being diagnosed with the virus; however, it did not contaminate anyone else, and she was brave to do so.
The Clark County Agent’s column by JoAnn Vann, Nov. 19, in the Southern Standard newspaper was about apples. Select those with blemish-free skins, called scald. Half of the Vitamin C content is found just under the skin of the apple, so eat the skin. I wash the apple with soft hand soap before eating. We need more Vitamin C during wintertime to avoid colds. My favorite variety is Honeycrisp. She always has a recipe.
The retail colossus, Amazon.com, opened an online pharmacy on Nov. 17 which allows customers to order medication or prescription refills and have them delivered to their front door in a couple of days. Shouldn’t everyone support their local pharmacy since if they go out of business, one could not get immediate medications.
Mildred Parker Norton telephoned recently. I asked if the forest fires had been near her home in California, but she said that only once had there been a great many ashes falling. A recent earthquake happened when she was taking an afternoon nap in a recliner, and when the glassware in a china closet started falling out and breaking, she ran outside in the event the ceiling began to fall down. It was over soon, without too much damage. There are no trees near her property.
Benny Don Duncan, 82, Jessieville, was preceded by parents, Maudie and Herman
Lee Duncan of Bismarck, a daughter, Lori, six brothers: James, L.D., George, Wallace, Darrell, and Melvin Duncan. Survivors are his wife, Robin, and family: Cindy Dawson, Shauna Wood, Todd Graves, Jon Graves, Robinette Fox, Joshua Graves, Misty, Jeff, Chris Duncan, sister, Marlene Duncan Hodges (Tommy) of Bismarck, grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Oma Olivia Padgett, 94, Hot Springs, was preceded by parents, Walter and Rosa Diffee Gardner of Bismarck, a sister, Zella Allen, daughter-in-law Corliss Padgett, and son-in-law, John Sleeper. Survivors include children: Kathleen Sleeper, Jerry Padgett, and Eugene Padgett. she enjoyed visiting her brother, Clifford Gardner, in Pennsylvania, and traveling the country. Also survived by six grandchildren and grands. Visitation was on Tuesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral home, service following, with burial in the Godwin Cemetery.
Thanksgiving can be without special food and family this year, but be thankful that we don’t have COVID-19, thankful for phones to talk with absent family member. Hopeful that some of the vaccines work for the dedicated people who are working in hospitals, as caregivers, fire departments, policeman, keeping shelves stocked in groceries, and those who stay home and don’t spread more illness.