As I write this, I have just returned from visiting, Lilah, my granddaughter in Dallas. She, of course, lives with my son, Tim, and daughter-in-law, Maddie. We went to Maddie’s mother’s home for Thanksgiving, a tradition that was interrupted, like everyone else, last year. I had a wonderful time just being with a group of people who shared so many friends and memories, but we all had in common this beautiful 6-month-old little girl with incredible eyes. (After seeing her latest picture, my oldest sister, jokingly wondered who did her eye makeup!)
My favorite columnist is Peggy Noonan who writes for the Wall Street Journal. Her column generates Letters to the Editor complaining of both her “liberal” and “conservative” views, but I enjoy reading her moderate opinions. Her column this Saturday was about family, the fertility rate, and how Covid affected these.
According to three reputable surveyors, marriage and the fertility rate in America had both been falling steadily before the pandemic. The pandemic’s requirement for social distancing certainly did not help. Figure in the “waning of life scripts provided by family, religion and traditional norms” that we all took for granted.
And then, of course, is the Internet.
After I arrived back home and had my first good night’s sleep in my recliner, I was so grateful to have been able to spend this holiday with Maddie’s family. A family, thanks to Lilah, of which I am a part.
Happy Holidays,
Liz
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