The longest week–or maybe just one more

Posted By: David Fortier January 17, 2021

By David Fortier

The week dragged on, in some way three weeks long rather than one, and I can’t help thinking it had as much to do with coronavirus and the announcement of the vaccinations entering Phase 1, as much as it did with the attack on the nation’s Capitol. 

That’s a lot. 

So, what did I do? I slowed down and waited for more information to filter its way over the airwaves and via the internet.  

And, I went to work every day. And I taught my classes—seven of them—taught in my mask, socially distancing myself from the students (most are remote learners anyhow). 

I continued to wash my hands throughout each day.  

And I continued to read and listen to the latest reports coming out of the Capitol, with an increasing sense of concern, especially with reports about more attacks anticipated on inauguration day, Jan. 20. 

And, I mourned for the loss of our standing as a democratic light for the rest of the world. 

As reports of troops marching into the nation’s Capitol and to state capitols, I felt a heavy hand on my shoulder, and I heard a voice murmuring in my ear words of consolation, “Only this time, it’s necessary.” I found little comfort since I cannot separate these images from ones of other countries where democracy is only a dream. 

Come Saturday, the first day of the Martin Luther King Jr Day long weekend, I set aside some time to replace a bunch of smoke alarms, where I did find consolation in physical labor, taking down and putting back up again. All in all, I spent a couple of hours. 

The irony of working with smoke alarms was not lost on me: Here I am taking steps to protect my home in the event a fire, a catastrophe, might occur, planning ahead so as not to get caught unaware, and our country has been caught unaware—kind of. There was plenty of smoke, and there continues to be. 

And you and I know the old cliche—where there is smoke, there is fire. 

With D.C., the signs have been there all along, this encounter was inevitable.  

Taking care of a home can be overwhelming. Get behind and watch out. No different with a democracy. A couple of things go unattended and look what happens. 

So, in my post-Capitol attack and pre-inaugural state of mind, through which coronavirus continues to poke and prod at any semblance of sanity, I push ahead with what I can do, and I even find some time for entertainment. 

Mary and I finished the last two episodes of the Netflix hit, “Bridgerton,” and we were both sad to see the end. If you haven’t watched, give it a episode or two. I am guessing that its magic will win you over. 

Also, on the home front, since I mentioned it last week, my brother is off the ventilator, much better, thank you! And yet, he was many more struggles ahead. 

Something to ponder: That the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration is in a day has not escaped me. I will miss the annual NAACP breakfast at Bristol Eastern. 

Toward that end, I recommend a podcast, “On Being,” featuring an interview with the late John Lewis. He talks about MLK’s “beloved community” and some of the hard work, the intentional work that went into the civil rights movement, so mightily tempered by non-violent struggle and its democratic spirit.  

Here are few short videos featuring Lewis, MLK Jr., and the Civil Right movement: 

“Come Sunday morning” is intended to be a weekly review, a recounting of the past week and an anticipation of week to come. Among its features will be reviews of old and new books, sharing of favorite podcasts, some family news, Bristol events and happenings, and issues surrounding education, work and community journalism.