October 4, 2023
“Everyday” Life in Middletown
I got my flu shot today. Work was a fairly routine day of emails, and following up with community contacts. I wrapped the day with a couple of beers enjoyed over conversation with friends in quiet local establishment. My son was out with relatives, so I followed that with dinner for one (quesadillas in the skillet!) while watching baseball playoffs.
Hmmm… how boring.
I delayed writing this entry because I felt compelled to make it more interesting, even thinking of fudging it a little and writing about October FIFTH, because lots more things happened that future generations, archivists and historians might find interesting.
But I think that would be missing the whole point of “Everyday Life in Middletown.”
It’s not the first time that I’ve struggled with what to write about my thoughts or activities of the day and tried different approaches to manufacture interest. But if I feel like I’ve generally got my sh*t together, and I’m achieving a goal of a “quiet, normal life,” why shouldn’t I shout that to the heavens?
I actually feel rather fortunate to have this dilemma when I consider the alternative. Our last directive mentioned social media and the role it plays in our lives, and I feel pretty lucky that my life isn’t a whirlwind of drama, whether on digital archives for eternity or face-to-face. Several relatives and friends over the years can’t make that claim.
Sometimes “lives of quiet desperation,” can be anything but quiet.
It can be painful to be drawn into the harsh realities of others, family or friend. It’s even tougher to see it splattered over social media. I think it’s important to realize that it’s out there, where we can’t turn away from it. We can either stir it further, or offer help. If choosing the latter, it’s a fine line to walk. I was raised to understand some things as not my business. While family especially could be better at sharing their personal struggles so ones might be able to assist, I don’t want to barge in if they don’t want me involved. I at least want to know that I offered.
I sometimes wonder how I would handle the same situation… while my life isn’t a train wreck (by design), sometimes the unexpected happens. Would I be willing to display vulnerability and ask for help, fear of judgement or refusal notwithstanding? I’ve dealt with precious little trauma… some breakups, untimely deaths… but they were still felt. I accept the degree of these personal tragedies may not scratch the surface of another’s. Am I trivializing my own feelings, or being self- aware and realistic while striving to keep moving? Or am I at risk for a crash when fate deals a comeuppance?
I don’t go to church or claim a spirituality. I consider myself educated and well-read, and reasonably adjusted mentally to deal with life’s setbacks. I’d like to think I have an acceptable network of friends and family I could turn to when I needed it. I hope they feel the same way about me.