A Note from Jerry McConnell

To the readers of my columns for Canada Free Press

By Jerry McConnell (Bio and Archives)  Saturday, December 10, 2011 | Print friendly | Subscribe | Email Us

Several of you have sent inquiries as to why my columns have been missing recently.  This is just to let you know why you haven’t seen any since the one on Thanksgiving Day. 

This time of the year is usually always a very busy time, but this particular year it seems that it is way above normal and it has caused me to spend an inordinate amount of time away from my column writing for Canada Free Press.

First of all, please be assured that I am in good health and spirits, but there has been a plethora of ailments of various other kinds in my life over the past few weeks; not the least of which was the preparation and accompanying arrangements for, first Thanksgiving and then (still ongoing) Christmas. Then a very dear friend of mine, WWII vet, passed away not unexpectedly but still a shock to his family and to me as well.  There were a few impromptu memorials to honor his service and I was involved with much of it. 

My wife has been on a run of doctor’s appointments lately that have had my chauffeuring services on the run (she is not allowed to drive since her stroke a couple of years ago.) 

Other family difficulties (my wife’s family) for which her presence was required (driving again) plus they always seek my advice in times of stress. My wife has two widowed sisters, each with a daughter, one a widow and the other a separation, plus their kids and other assorted problems.  Then there is also my home grounds maintenance with many oak and maple trees spewing their leaves to be raked, bagged and made ready for town pick-up, in addition to mulching with the mower frequently in between the big jobs.

The American Legion had a few veterans pass away (in addition to my close friend) that required the presence of the membership for special funeral services.  I could go on but by now I’m sure you get the gist of what I have been doing that has kept me away from doing research for columns. During those times my brain doesn’t seem to want to change gears too fast so I am caught lagging. 

Also contributing to the madness of the season, a good friend a neighbor elderly woman has developed some physical ailments that have required her to be in the hospital for many days at a time.  Then she would be home for a few days and back again to the hospital.  She lives alone and has no close relatives still living, but some other close friends but of some distance to travel. 

My wife and I have been “cat sitting” for her very young feline friend with feeding, cleaning up after, and providing some companionship in the early mornings and late afternoons.  As of this date, this routine will be on a daily basis for an undetermined period until the woman is able to return home. 

All this activity during the hectic Christmas season does not help with my other activities of writing columns for publication.  So it may be some time until my schedule returns to normal.

So thank you for your concern and I will pass along my wishes to all for a very Merry Christmas or whatever your faith elects and a Happy and Healthy New Year.  Keep in touch with Canada Free Press and one of these days you’ll see my columns again.