Thoughts for the Day, December 1, 2020: We are coming down the home stretch.

We crossed into the last month of this unforgettable year. I cannot wait until it is over and we can start anew on January 1, 2021.

Michigan recorded a record 190 deaths from Covid-19 today. It is 26 more deaths than the previous high of 164 set in early April. Hospitalizations continue to rise and many hospitals are starting to get overwhelmed, especially in the northern half of the state. Unfortunately the numbers are only going to get worse in the next week or so as the fallout of people getting together for Thanxgiving will show its affect.

There were some encourgaging words today from Washington about a potential covid-19 relief package. Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell, does not have the same sense of urgency as he appears to be waiting until after January 1 to get things done. I cannot imagine that there is anything else that is more important.

It is very encouraging news about the progress of a vaccine. First deliveries may be available prior to Christmas. The CDC is working on establishing priorities for distribution. In my simple opinion, health care workers and nursing home residents should be the first to receive the vaccine. It will be complicated since it is a two step process occurring two weeks apart. That combined with a 15% complication rate, it is going to be a slow complicated process.

Here is an emotional story as reported by the Detroit News. During their marriage of nearly 50 years, Patricia and Leslie “L.D.” McWaters bowled together, danced together — and after they contracted the COVID virus, they took an ambulance to the hospital together, and then died together. The couple died seconds apart on Nov. 24 in Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital in Jackson. She was 78; he was 75.”The time on both of their death certificates is 4:23 p.m., because (the difference) was too close to call,” said daughter Joanna Sisk. “It’s like they met right after they died and went up to heaven together.”

Stay safe, wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands regularly.

“It never hurts to apologize, especially if you don’t mean it.”
― Jim Bouton, Ball Four