Old lives matter if we cherish and protect them. But do we really cherish and protect them when there is a shortage of personal protective equipment and tests at nursing homes? Many have already died, but must even more die? Do old lives truly matter if our community doesn’t have a mask mandate or enforce … Continue reading
The pandemic raging out of control, with 5 million-plus infections and more than 160,000 deaths. Unrest in major cities still reeling from the death of George Floyd. And millions of Americans worried about the looming loss of unemployment benefits and the prospect of not paying their rent or mortgage or putting bread on the table. … Continue reading
Its a crying shame how often writers use the wrong word! Oops, I just used “its” instead of the correct word, “it’s.” I’m just trying to see if you are paying attention! Homophones such as “it’s” and “its” are words that are pronounced the same, but have different meanings and spellings. How do you guard … Continue reading
What’s it like mentoring a cub reporter? Jack Howey knew. Jack mentored me during my three-year stint as a police and city hall reporter at the Peru, Indiana, Daily Tribune in the 1970s. Jack was managing editor and hired me even though I had a scant two and a half years on a weekly newspaper … Continue reading
Some say they wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a mask in public. Some say it’s an issue of personal freedom. You know, a First Amendment argument. You can’t argue against ignorance, but what if our open-faced neighbors knew that wearing a mask could save the life of their favorite grocery cashier? More than 100 grocery … Continue reading
I pledge my unwavering devotion to your well-being. I will strive hard to keep you stress-free. I will try to convert chaos to calm on your worst days. I will help you find strength of purpose on your best days. I pledge patience as you express deep-seated fears. I will serve as your confidante and … Continue reading
I had just spent 24 minutes on the phone with my friend, a fellow baby boomer, when I saw the New York Times article on April 9. Americans are phoning in record numbers during this terrible pandemic. My friend had suffered numerous bouts with pneumonia and was cut off from her children and grandchildren to … Continue reading
My wife/caregiver and I (that’s me under the mask) were part of a caravan of survivors in Louisville, Ky., on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 7, 2020. The Lady Birds cheerleaders greeted us and the mood was festive and fun, with bags of swag and musical entertainment. Cars were festooned with balloons and streamers, and … Continue reading
Others have returned to work, and I’m still self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. No complaints, mind you, because I’ve found ways to stay sane and to stay connected with others. I have a seven-point action plan that has brought fresh purpose to my life, and maybe it will yours. Here goes: Lift others’ spirits. Call … Continue reading
(Dedicated to family caregivers everywhere!) You see me on my worst days when you sit silently, a gentle presence in a turbulent world. You reach out to me with no expectation for reply. You know that my curtain of silence is not drawn to exclude you, and that soon I will lift it to welcome … Continue reading
Ron Cooper 