Fra President Kathy
It is difficult to think of just the right words to write for my July President’s letter. I don’t think I could ever adequately express how I feel at this time…heartbroken, angry, scared, sad to name a few of the feelings that have come over me. Coronavirus is not the only issue we are dealing with, and it breaks my heart to see Minneapolis, a city where our SON Headquarters are, along with many staff members who we’ve learned to care about and love, deeply hurting so badly. It is time to have those difficult conversations that can help us move forward to fulfilling the promise of America.
We, here in the Philadelphia area, are finally at the yellow phase! And as with the rest of the states of the Third District with partial openings, not everyone is ready to venture out and about, take off their masks, eat out, go to the beach, and be in large crowds and that’s okay. Everyone has their own comfort levels and has the right to be cautious. Do what’s right for you and your family and what makes you feel safe and secure. This is a totally new world we live in now! Personally, I can’t wait to try some outdoor dining at our local restaurants, but that may still be a ways down the road.
As we move away from quarantine, I wonder what new or rediscovered habits people found? I took the time to rekindle the love of reading classics like Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. I also found the SON website to be a wonderful way to brush up on Norwegian language. Sharing what we’ve been doing is a wonderful way to challenge other lodge members who want to push themselves and their fellow members to step outside of their comfort zones and try something different. I hope they inspire you to do the same! It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but perhaps something small or something you’ve been meaning to do for weeks, months, or years. And if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! A great place to start is https://www.sofn.com/ website and the cultural skills. And coming in August is the launch of the new electronic publication, Viking for Kids! So, look for that, too.
Stay safe, stay well and take care of each other
Kathy Dollymore, Sons of Norway, 3 D President