Reflections on the Pandemic
Bell Moore asked Jean Duffy to write her testimony of struggles during the COVID-19 isolation. On March 17, 2022, Bell talked to Midge Billig and wrote down Midge’s comments. She shared Jean’s and Midge’s reflections below.
Jean Duffy’s Reflections
Inner peace is a lifetime of challenges and trusting in God. The pandemic basically cut off my activities. After adjusting to my new life and many thoughts, I was feeling a bit down.
One day while sitting in my favorite chair, I looked out my front window and was amazed at the beauty outside. It startled me by realizing how God has blessed me during my life. In a short time, I was able to leave behind the negative parts that I didn’t need anymore and realized how fortunate and blessed I have been through the years.
My meditation time became more pleasant as the days passed and the Spirit of God made me smile at my new inner peace. Certainly, most people have sad and difficult challenges in their lives, but we also have rewarding times. I was able to discard the past challenges and focus on the now of my life.
I feel God has kept me on earth to help others going through their struggles and help to focus on the “light” in their lives. Sometimes that “light” can come by making others smile and see their own lives in living in God’s care. God allows us to experience compassion and love.
My motto: Trust in God. Get busy and help others.
Bell Moore’s Conversation with Midge Billig
I spoke to Midge by telephone Thursday March 17, 2022.
I asked Midge several questions about how she has been during the pandemic, and she gave me permission to write up and share this blurb.
I watch Mass every Sunday on Channel 11. The Mass is broadcast from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have seen them wearing masks, then not, and currently they have no masks.
I read the bulletin that was mailed to me and now, is delivered with my Friday meal from St Hubert. I don’t think I will be able to come back to church, but I do miss that along with singing in the choir.
When asked what her favorite prayer devotion is, Midge answered, “The Lord’s Prayer.”
“I converted to the Catholic Church when I married Charles in 1947. He passed in 1988 and I have been a widow for 35 years. That has been hard.”
Midge likes to spend her days watching history and civics. Her schooling skipped those subjects, or they went over her head, or a combination of both.
Midge said she likes being a part of South Whidbey at Home. The service provides a volunteer who shops for her. The volunteer is a lady she knew from the gardening club. Midge gives her a list and she brings everything to her home, very easy.Due to arthritis in her writing hand, Midge has stopped mailing out birthday cards. Her birthday is Bastille Day, July 14. She will be 98.