Months passed. We grew accustomed to our new life; Amazon deliveries replaced shopping trips, curbside groceries, working from home became the norm whenever possible, high schoolers missed prom and graduation ceremonies, grade schoolers grew restless without playmates, first responders and medical personal were stretched to unbearable limits, and fear of contagion fostered more and more isolation.

Globally we were battling an unseen, deadly enemy. One which we had never known before and were woefully inadequate to confront. Most everyone knew someone who had fallen. Someone who had suffered and passed from this life. It was dreadful.

Then came another hideous byproduct of the Pandemic closer to home. We began to battle, not only the virus, but one another. We took out our frustration and rage upon our neighbors all across the country. There were mask wars, vaccine wars, and a continuing weight of political hostilities that seems to know no end. 

This was, and sadly is, nothing new. Human history is written in blood. We are, in the main, a warring people. It follows that the worldwide devastation bringing us together for a time, eventually gave rise to us tearing each other apart once again. Our cyclical insanity becomes tragically boring after a while.

I no longer watch the news. There are plenty of ways to keep up with what’s going on in the world other than tuning in to mostly negative segments on any major network aimed at captivating our attention. The hunger for carnage appears to be insatiable. The more salacious the reporting, the more viewing it receives. 

I’d like to think that I am not infected with this appetite for human suffering; that my own attraction to disaster movies lies in the way the protagonists deal with pain and suffering. Hmmmm. I’m not sure, despite my intention, that it’s entirely possible to escape the blood lust endemic in the human being. Perhaps it is a matter of degree and developing consciousness above base instincts. 

These days I prefer to read my news from trusted periodicals and daily papers. I find that it’s quite a different process to capture human events in print than on the spot interviews that can easily stray into unvetted opinion. It’s easier to ‘hear’ something we want to hear when it flashes by in vivid color. Reading printed material isn’t as sexy. It enters our minds differently and recall isn’t dependent on what we thought we heard. It’s right there in black and white.

I’ve also decided to start my days by going to The Far Side. I’m an avid fan, and have been since the 1980’s. I’ve owned every page-a-day calendar produced and nearly cried when I found out Gary Larson had retired. It nearly broke my heart.

I now own the complete Far Side collection, an astute commentary on our collective stupidity in three huge volumes of pure, poignant hilarity. Gary Larson’s genius turns simple things we say or do inside out and upside down. He comically points out our insanity with a pen, not a sword.  (Incidentally, sprinkled throughout the pages are a few hilarious letters from those so offended by Larson’s humor—talk about revealing a need to lighten up!)

Of course there are real problems in life … The Pandemic is just one plight in a long line of humanity’s challenges. I’m not suggesting humor can solve difficult issues. I am suggesting that we get better at bypassing offense in favor of a little levity and self reflection. Perhaps then we wouldn’t be so quick to hurl insults, bullets and bombs at each other. Wishful thinking? But, where would we be without a bit of hopeful dreaming? 

“Life is too short to wear tight shoes.” Not sure who said that, but right to the point. My advice; follow the Golden Rule, remember that life flies by in a heartbeat, get outside and sit by a tree, rescue a dog who will teach you more than you thought possible, laugh a little more, (especially at the one in the mirror) and start your own day with a Far Side.

The comics that feature dogs are some of my favorites …

P.S. Gary, if you happen to read this … my sincere gratitude for years of smiles!