Because of the chasm that has existed in this country since before it was a country, but only until recently became a rallying point for certain people, some of my close friends are now held at arm's length and others have been completely dropped out of my social circle.
There's a man in our RV park who had three strokes last spring but has recovered most of his memory and ability to sing. He got a near standing ovation at karaoke over the weekend. Count me as one of those who applauded politely but not for his "comeback."
He attends a church every Sunday and believes himself to be a Christian, but I rode with him to Daytona several years ago when he told me with all seriousness and sincerity Joe Biden eats the brains of unborn aborted children, among many other Fox News/MAGA/evangelical talking points. I wave at him now but have little interest in carrying on any more conversation than is necessary to be polite. I'm certain he's in the majority here.
Sorry if it's difficult to shed a tear or waste my emotions on his situation when Anne Isenhower, a gifted and beloved Atlanta public relations expert, took her life on New Year's Day because her only child died unexpectedly at college in New York the month before and she couldn't imagine a life in this world without him. She was a strong advocate for human and animal rights, and the kind of person who made a difference during her short time on this planet.
Her loss affected me deeply. I wish I could have talked with her, even if it wouldn't have changed her mind about suicide.
Death will get us all. Scott Adams was an excellent cartoonist but I'm not going to mourn him. Nor will I feel much either way for even people I've known most of my life who have fallen into the cult.
Jesus supposedly said he will prepare a room in his father's house for us. But he never said hypocrites would get a penthouse view.
