Five years ago, in October 2018, the world seemed like a different place. I may have had hopes, dreams, fears, and uncertainties, but I would never have predicted the rollercoaster ride that awaited us. I just searched on my phone to find out what I did on this day five years ago, and I found only one photo; it is this one:
I regret my physical and mental health are taking these blows now too severely to function as I would like; my health continues to fail while demands grow for action and movement not available to me. Having lost one family member 🐶
another 😽 in jeopardy at present; these sentient beings are the reason I push forward when times are terrifying “everything everywhere all at once.” Have reached out to our dear friend Rena if she is available as a voice in real time rather than virtual. Awaiting a response. Have focused efforts on House Speaker Conundrum since that position is second in line to presidency and the protests, rallies, threats of violence lead to potential assassination attempts from the MAGA unhinged; I do not intend to add fuel to the fire 🔥 but we must be be acutely aware and involved in correcting that pressing issue immediately. As one small victory (Trump’s BFF) Gym Jordan is OUT; I’ve seen 1963 & and the end of Camelot , details of which are still hidden behind “classified documents”; I was a sophomore walking in the halls of my high school when the principal announced that our beloved JFK was gone. Was that the beginning of the end? Or was it 09/11 when the wars on terror so very misguided began? Unprepared 1963, 09/11, 10/20/2023?
Our courageous Biden is a master of negotiation and exactly the man for the job at hand as we tackle climate in a more meaningful way. Is it already too late? Truthfully, we do not know as the days march on awaiting resolution to just one BIG THING each day. My hope is fading as is my life. I’m not in a good place to be writing tonight; if I am too dark, I hope you will forgive me. And when I am no more, I hope you will remember how very hard I tried to stay with you as long as possible. 💔🌎🕊️
Sorry to hear of your challenges and all who read your words will feel like that. In turning points, I would pick the murder in JFK’s brother as ultimately more consequential for the future of the U.S. and the world, together with the Reagan policies. Two turning points that set the scene for where we are now.
In the light of day, with a bit of sleep, I can agree with that assessment and a host of other factors. The exercise of torture at Gitmo off US soil is also a stain on the fabric of this nation. I suspect the incarceration of presumed terrorists without indictment ,trial, or verdict does not set well with the ICC; maybe that is one of the bases for our failure to participate in the treaties under which it operates. I read that we will prosecute responsibly criminals on US soil as the stated reason but recognizing our state to state variations in law enforcement are “50 Shades of Grey” and our SCOTUS is clearly corrupt, I don’t buy that argument. As for Reagan and his policies, I feel shame at not participating more fully as those were the years I was so very involved in saving lives as a cancer research nurse; my world was a massive teaching hospital 24/7/365 and my awareness was thus compromised 🤷🏼♀️. In these times I am playing catch up as to how we got here and where we’re headed. The unintended benefit of being homebound; so today thankful for one more day, a kitty 😽 stable at present, time to learn and share and exercise my citizenship. Your article was excellent; if I did not say so, it is because I have learned to expect that level of writing and fail to complement when due. I could learn more social skills as well! 😘
Oct 22, 2023·edited Oct 22, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍
A comprehensive history of our past five years with a timeline of traumatic occurrences that have changed our lives and history.
As I read this and reflect on each that you’ve mentioned, I recall them vividly up to the present tragedies before us, politically, socially and environmentally.
It was nice remembering the Stockholm days. I loved you being there and sharing so much. It brings smiles. . . up until the COVID pandemic.
So many failures over this past five years. The challenge before us is enormous. We must meet it. We must keep hope alive.
With your dedication and keeping awareness at the forefront, hope is strengthened. 🙏
You succinctly highlighted the last five years. Rollercoaster indeed. Five years ago I was operating a successful pet care business and two years later my clients were forced to work from home and cancel their holidays. Former employers have deemed my greatest attribute my adaptability. There are a number of occasions where it was surprising that I still walk the earth and I am grateful to be here.
.
During the tenure of #45 I followed Amy Siskind's Weekly List to see how close to 1930s Germany we were coming. All the while keeping an eye on the worsening climate crisis. People's fears were now consuming them and bad behaviour was being celebrated.
.
Social justice has always been a focus but now I wanted to give this more attention. October two years ago I began selling most of my possessions, selling my car, renting a truck, and heading back to Chicago with my cat and dog, leaving Texas behind. No longer cooking for seven omnivores, just vegan me. Now living and working in the same neighborhood, I can concentrate on the work of permanent housing for our homeless neighbors, help our asylum seekers acclimate to their new home, and work toward safer infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists.
.
All the while reminding our leadership how they got their job, who they work for, and what the people need. I am convinced there is more good in the world than evil though it is difficult to see this right now. As Karen Attiah says, "The equality and value of human lives should never be up for debate."
.
In my heart I have love and hope. We're going to be alright. Thank you for yet another beautiful essay. 🌻
Oct 22, 2023·edited Oct 22, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍
Today in 2018, I was waiting to address City Council on prevention strategies for the deadly drug Fentanyl while listening to "The Shallows" from the remake of A Star is Born. (Although I prefer the original.)
Maybe the song was a precursor to events that followed. Some would say it is urging us to leave our shallow waters and dive into the deep end.
The pandemic, polarization of politics, fear mongering, isolation, climate change and the inability for me to realize I was not in control, was a hard pill to swallow.
The world was plunged into the deep end; we could float, get angry, feel sad, want to give up or feel our way through. For me, that is when a desert sunset sneaks in, rays of light fill my Az home, my mouth burns from salsa, I hear from friends old and new. Things that matter.
I am simply in love with the beautiful Ponderosa Pines in Az. When I stand underneath them, I am renewed; far from the shallows. I rest in their shadow.
"Praise and blame, gain and loss, come and go like the wind. To be happy, rest like a great tree in the midst of them all."
El tiempo lo cura todo. Thanks for the snapshot of time, Alex. You have not squandered yours.
October 21, 2018, I was out on a "photography day" with my best friend from kindergarten, who now lives in Cleveland. It was a dark and stormy day, so we headed to Loraine on Lake Erie, where I got some fabulous shots of the Lorain lighthouse, brave fishing souls, and Iceland gulls. My mother had recently passed away, so we spent a bit of the day talking about time's passing and how fortunate she was to still have both her parents. Little did we imagine that just 2 years later, her parents would die a week apart from COVID and I would watch their joint service in NJ from my room in Belgium where I was isolated during the pandemic.
Such is life, as you say, filled with hopes, dreams, fears, and uncertainties. Today, I'm sitting at my desk in Belgium writing these words and thinking about how much has changed. For me, a big one has been finding a path where I stay informed and engaged in the world (as I've always done) without constantly setting my hair on fire. Less social media has helped greatly. The world will struggle on today, tomorrow, and long after I'm gone. So I try to find a balance.
On a very happy note, I LOVE where I was on October 21, 1980: At Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia watching the Phillies win their first ever World Series. Hoping for their third win over the next couple weeks. Go Phils!!!
I recognize the advantage of less social media; although I'm still active on many platforms, I find Substack much more balanced than any other form of social media. For mini-blogs, both Mastodon and BlueSky are far better than the ever-deteriorating platform that we used to know as Twitter.
It has been a few years of roller-coaster, ups and downs.. Oh how, I long for those days, when we didn't know so much.. or maybe did but could still manage it in our minds without it effecting our hearts. Somber Sunday in Southern Africa with wide spread division. I pray never to feel that anger. I pray for peace. Thank you Alex..We appreciate your heartfelt thoughts. 🤗
I think we all feel anger at times, it’s what you do with it that matters; how you can bend it into something positive, into change, hope, creativity, and a better world with less tensions, more equality and fairness.
In this comment, I am responding to one of Alexander's statement in his article.
"You must be blind if you still don't see how climate change impacts our lives."
Although I am physically blind, I comprehend that climate change is real and has had a substantial impact on the world. In my view, people who are blind to this reality are blind in the sense of ignorance. Unfortunately, I'm not certain that the political will exists to make necessary changes for course correction. However, I can hope...
Yes, blind of ignorance, and often it is worse: it’s not failing to comprehend it, but refusing to accept it, so willfully ignoring the dangers that ultimately will cost lives. I don’t have a legal background but I wonder what the law says when you willfully ignore danger for others (you pass a burning house but don’t alert the fire department) or worse, when you tell others that you checked the situation and didn’t see the fire. I think I should have chosen my words more carefully!
Five years ago I was living in the moment. I was making plans. Discovering hypotheses. Tracing yellow brick roads. I was embracing the autumn painted in the skies as I traveled from Geneva to Vienna. I was ready for the music. Today and now I infuse the leaves of experience into a cup of reality with the uncertainty of flavor. It's cold outside and the wind brings broken sounds. I just want to warm my fingers in the ink of the headlines with days that unfold without bitterness, look out the window and frame life without fear. Today I still want to hold on to time: I still believe in golden harvests for the future.
Five years ago? A lifetime ago. I was in Stockholm in April and in July of 2018. I remember that well. Made some Flemish speaking friends in Sweden that I'm still in contact with today. Life is weird sometimes. I was extremely unhappy, but wasn't fully aware of it yet.
If you'd given me 10 scenarios to choose from five years ago as to what I'd be doing today, I'd have picked the other nine before I'd thought this would be my life. No way, I saw all that coming. And the world as a whole - nope, would never have guessed all of that either.
We do have the opportunity to redefine ourselves - yes. I did that over the past three years and if I can do it - anybody can. Even mankind as a whole. I don't think we will leave a sustainable planet for our children. I think it's their generation that will need to pull together to make this work. Also no on certain political conflicts. I mean they started before I was born. Doubtful of social justice as well. Sorry to be a pessimist on this or rather a realist, I feel. I'm not saying it's not possible. But it's not going to be our generation(s).
Fingers crossed for positive surprises for your and for all of us. Thank you for this 5-year recap.
🌻🙏🙏🌻
5 years . . . an amazing fast forward into an uncharted but expected mess
with our eyes wide open. Thank you Alexander for making us/me aware in writing.
I was surprised too how much of a mess it has become in such a short time. And then I realize how much I didn’t even mention.
I regret my physical and mental health are taking these blows now too severely to function as I would like; my health continues to fail while demands grow for action and movement not available to me. Having lost one family member 🐶
another 😽 in jeopardy at present; these sentient beings are the reason I push forward when times are terrifying “everything everywhere all at once.” Have reached out to our dear friend Rena if she is available as a voice in real time rather than virtual. Awaiting a response. Have focused efforts on House Speaker Conundrum since that position is second in line to presidency and the protests, rallies, threats of violence lead to potential assassination attempts from the MAGA unhinged; I do not intend to add fuel to the fire 🔥 but we must be be acutely aware and involved in correcting that pressing issue immediately. As one small victory (Trump’s BFF) Gym Jordan is OUT; I’ve seen 1963 & and the end of Camelot , details of which are still hidden behind “classified documents”; I was a sophomore walking in the halls of my high school when the principal announced that our beloved JFK was gone. Was that the beginning of the end? Or was it 09/11 when the wars on terror so very misguided began? Unprepared 1963, 09/11, 10/20/2023?
Our courageous Biden is a master of negotiation and exactly the man for the job at hand as we tackle climate in a more meaningful way. Is it already too late? Truthfully, we do not know as the days march on awaiting resolution to just one BIG THING each day. My hope is fading as is my life. I’m not in a good place to be writing tonight; if I am too dark, I hope you will forgive me. And when I am no more, I hope you will remember how very hard I tried to stay with you as long as possible. 💔🌎🕊️
Sorry to hear of your challenges and all who read your words will feel like that. In turning points, I would pick the murder in JFK’s brother as ultimately more consequential for the future of the U.S. and the world, together with the Reagan policies. Two turning points that set the scene for where we are now.
In the light of day, with a bit of sleep, I can agree with that assessment and a host of other factors. The exercise of torture at Gitmo off US soil is also a stain on the fabric of this nation. I suspect the incarceration of presumed terrorists without indictment ,trial, or verdict does not set well with the ICC; maybe that is one of the bases for our failure to participate in the treaties under which it operates. I read that we will prosecute responsibly criminals on US soil as the stated reason but recognizing our state to state variations in law enforcement are “50 Shades of Grey” and our SCOTUS is clearly corrupt, I don’t buy that argument. As for Reagan and his policies, I feel shame at not participating more fully as those were the years I was so very involved in saving lives as a cancer research nurse; my world was a massive teaching hospital 24/7/365 and my awareness was thus compromised 🤷🏼♀️. In these times I am playing catch up as to how we got here and where we’re headed. The unintended benefit of being homebound; so today thankful for one more day, a kitty 😽 stable at present, time to learn and share and exercise my citizenship. Your article was excellent; if I did not say so, it is because I have learned to expect that level of writing and fail to complement when due. I could learn more social skills as well! 😘
A comprehensive history of our past five years with a timeline of traumatic occurrences that have changed our lives and history.
As I read this and reflect on each that you’ve mentioned, I recall them vividly up to the present tragedies before us, politically, socially and environmentally.
It was nice remembering the Stockholm days. I loved you being there and sharing so much. It brings smiles. . . up until the COVID pandemic.
So many failures over this past five years. The challenge before us is enormous. We must meet it. We must keep hope alive.
With your dedication and keeping awareness at the forefront, hope is strengthened. 🙏
Thank you. We need hope, and I hope that it will be enough to get us through these challenging times.
You succinctly highlighted the last five years. Rollercoaster indeed. Five years ago I was operating a successful pet care business and two years later my clients were forced to work from home and cancel their holidays. Former employers have deemed my greatest attribute my adaptability. There are a number of occasions where it was surprising that I still walk the earth and I am grateful to be here.
.
During the tenure of #45 I followed Amy Siskind's Weekly List to see how close to 1930s Germany we were coming. All the while keeping an eye on the worsening climate crisis. People's fears were now consuming them and bad behaviour was being celebrated.
.
Social justice has always been a focus but now I wanted to give this more attention. October two years ago I began selling most of my possessions, selling my car, renting a truck, and heading back to Chicago with my cat and dog, leaving Texas behind. No longer cooking for seven omnivores, just vegan me. Now living and working in the same neighborhood, I can concentrate on the work of permanent housing for our homeless neighbors, help our asylum seekers acclimate to their new home, and work toward safer infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists.
.
All the while reminding our leadership how they got their job, who they work for, and what the people need. I am convinced there is more good in the world than evil though it is difficult to see this right now. As Karen Attiah says, "The equality and value of human lives should never be up for debate."
.
In my heart I have love and hope. We're going to be alright. Thank you for yet another beautiful essay. 🌻
Thank you for all the good you are doing Rena. The world needs more people like you!
Hugs
Rena, you are an amazing example of what we should be doing and where we can go from here. Bless you, dear friend!😘
Thank you for you kind words, Judith 🙏
Today in 2018, I was waiting to address City Council on prevention strategies for the deadly drug Fentanyl while listening to "The Shallows" from the remake of A Star is Born. (Although I prefer the original.)
Maybe the song was a precursor to events that followed. Some would say it is urging us to leave our shallow waters and dive into the deep end.
The pandemic, polarization of politics, fear mongering, isolation, climate change and the inability for me to realize I was not in control, was a hard pill to swallow.
The world was plunged into the deep end; we could float, get angry, feel sad, want to give up or feel our way through. For me, that is when a desert sunset sneaks in, rays of light fill my Az home, my mouth burns from salsa, I hear from friends old and new. Things that matter.
I am simply in love with the beautiful Ponderosa Pines in Az. When I stand underneath them, I am renewed; far from the shallows. I rest in their shadow.
"Praise and blame, gain and loss, come and go like the wind. To be happy, rest like a great tree in the midst of them all."
El tiempo lo cura todo. Thanks for the snapshot of time, Alex. You have not squandered yours.
Thank you, Sharon, for all you do to fight the curse of Fentanyl and for respecting and enjoying nature in spectacular Arizona.
October 21, 2018, I was out on a "photography day" with my best friend from kindergarten, who now lives in Cleveland. It was a dark and stormy day, so we headed to Loraine on Lake Erie, where I got some fabulous shots of the Lorain lighthouse, brave fishing souls, and Iceland gulls. My mother had recently passed away, so we spent a bit of the day talking about time's passing and how fortunate she was to still have both her parents. Little did we imagine that just 2 years later, her parents would die a week apart from COVID and I would watch their joint service in NJ from my room in Belgium where I was isolated during the pandemic.
Such is life, as you say, filled with hopes, dreams, fears, and uncertainties. Today, I'm sitting at my desk in Belgium writing these words and thinking about how much has changed. For me, a big one has been finding a path where I stay informed and engaged in the world (as I've always done) without constantly setting my hair on fire. Less social media has helped greatly. The world will struggle on today, tomorrow, and long after I'm gone. So I try to find a balance.
On a very happy note, I LOVE where I was on October 21, 1980: At Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia watching the Phillies win their first ever World Series. Hoping for their third win over the next couple weeks. Go Phils!!!
I recognize the advantage of less social media; although I'm still active on many platforms, I find Substack much more balanced than any other form of social media. For mini-blogs, both Mastodon and BlueSky are far better than the ever-deteriorating platform that we used to know as Twitter.
It has been a few years of roller-coaster, ups and downs.. Oh how, I long for those days, when we didn't know so much.. or maybe did but could still manage it in our minds without it effecting our hearts. Somber Sunday in Southern Africa with wide spread division. I pray never to feel that anger. I pray for peace. Thank you Alex..We appreciate your heartfelt thoughts. 🤗
I think we all feel anger at times, it’s what you do with it that matters; how you can bend it into something positive, into change, hope, creativity, and a better world with less tensions, more equality and fairness.
In this comment, I am responding to one of Alexander's statement in his article.
"You must be blind if you still don't see how climate change impacts our lives."
Although I am physically blind, I comprehend that climate change is real and has had a substantial impact on the world. In my view, people who are blind to this reality are blind in the sense of ignorance. Unfortunately, I'm not certain that the political will exists to make necessary changes for course correction. However, I can hope...
Yes, blind of ignorance, and often it is worse: it’s not failing to comprehend it, but refusing to accept it, so willfully ignoring the dangers that ultimately will cost lives. I don’t have a legal background but I wonder what the law says when you willfully ignore danger for others (you pass a burning house but don’t alert the fire department) or worse, when you tell others that you checked the situation and didn’t see the fire. I think I should have chosen my words more carefully!
Five years ago I was living in the moment. I was making plans. Discovering hypotheses. Tracing yellow brick roads. I was embracing the autumn painted in the skies as I traveled from Geneva to Vienna. I was ready for the music. Today and now I infuse the leaves of experience into a cup of reality with the uncertainty of flavor. It's cold outside and the wind brings broken sounds. I just want to warm my fingers in the ink of the headlines with days that unfold without bitterness, look out the window and frame life without fear. Today I still want to hold on to time: I still believe in golden harvests for the future.
It’s good to keep believing in the future. And Vienna en Geneva bring back so many memories.
Five years ago? A lifetime ago. I was in Stockholm in April and in July of 2018. I remember that well. Made some Flemish speaking friends in Sweden that I'm still in contact with today. Life is weird sometimes. I was extremely unhappy, but wasn't fully aware of it yet.
If you'd given me 10 scenarios to choose from five years ago as to what I'd be doing today, I'd have picked the other nine before I'd thought this would be my life. No way, I saw all that coming. And the world as a whole - nope, would never have guessed all of that either.
We do have the opportunity to redefine ourselves - yes. I did that over the past three years and if I can do it - anybody can. Even mankind as a whole. I don't think we will leave a sustainable planet for our children. I think it's their generation that will need to pull together to make this work. Also no on certain political conflicts. I mean they started before I was born. Doubtful of social justice as well. Sorry to be a pessimist on this or rather a realist, I feel. I'm not saying it's not possible. But it's not going to be our generation(s).
Fingers crossed for positive surprises for your and for all of us. Thank you for this 5-year recap.
Only the brave find the power to redefine themselves. Let's all check back in on 21 October 2028.
Thank you.