Since my dear wife, Alanna, passed away in early June, Bastiat’s Window has been rather quiet. Thanks for all the lovely comments, emails, and wishes. They were extraordinarily comforting in a time when I needed those sentiments.
A number of folks have asked when my writings will commence anew. I’ll just say, “shortly.” Maybe today, maybe this week, but very soon. The past six weeks have been incredibly busy. Planning a funeral and a memorial celebration. Dealing with an avalanche of financial and legal tasks. Donating clothes, art supplies, and more. Reconfiguring the household furnishings. Arranging some charitable endeavors related to Alanna’s artwork. Answering endless correspondence. Getting back to the physical exercise regimen I put on hold while caring for Alanna’s health needs. Enjoying quiet time at home, going on walks, and reading at cafés overlooking the serenity of the Potomac. Enjoying the impossibly generous support offered by my son and his partner. Going out with friends for music. Visiting Alanna’s medical providers and having some of them over the house in thanks for all they did. Enjoying the company of neighbors who have invited me into their homes and fed me.
When diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig described himself as “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Today, having experienced the greatest loss of my life, I can repeat Gehrig’s words in the same spirit in which he offered them.