The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

New Year, New Opportunity

by Dessa Rodeffer

Quill Publisher/Owner

email: dessa@hcil.net

December 29, 2021

This year sure went fast, but it seems like it was a long one at the same time.... long in the fact there have been trials, struggles and losses in the lives of many we know and love. At present we are praying and waiting for a loved one to recover from COVID who is finally getting treatment in a hospital. And my editor's son left for the airport to return to the east coast but found much waiting and wondering at the airport in Moline and then again at the departure gate on the plane at O'Hare making him wonder if he will be able to get home. Being busy helps time fly, but waiting makes time drag out.

I look back at my grandmother who was so good at patience.... waiting for someone to visit..... waiting for her daughters to call...... waiting for a letter to arrive or sitting through another long evening alone waiting for bedtime in her small home in Stronghurst. She was always happy when anyone stopped by, always pleasant and kind, always had time to listen with interest to your day.

Today, we really appreciate the convenience of our cell phones for checking on families, and getting quick answers from Google, but it hasn't helped with making us patient when we receive things so instantly. So many of us get anxious if we don't have our phones by our side. We might miss an important text, or a call and all our important notes, addresses, appointments are on our phones.

I guess my hope for all of us in the new year, is to get back to living again without crutches and the cell phone can be a big one. Can you do it? If we limit it when with others, like my son's mother-in-law does when the kids come over, we can start to enjoy each other's company. She has a basket at her door where all cell phones go until they leave. We can enjoy conversation and games and notice the blessings that surrounded us. We can notice business owners who have served and help local folk in so many ways. People volunteering at nursing homes, on ambulances, fire departments clubs and events. It's never too late to become who you want to be. If you failed in 2021, have the determination to start over again, Live a life you are proud of. Forgive your mistakes and create a fulfilling future.