From Where I Stand
April 16, 2020
Happy Birthday!
May 1, 2020
By Sister Nancy Linenkugel
Covid-19 stay-at-home restrictions continue, and in Ohio these are in place until at least May 1, 2020. One microscopic germ may be shutting down the world, but the world is fighting back and will overcome this virus by the sheer tenacity and steadfastness of behaviors we are employing.
As mentioned in the prior blogs, St. Francis of Assisi was a person of joy. Even amid all the Covid-19 seriousness, St. Francis would find joy. Fear and anxiety are real emotions, but so is funny. Humor helps us get through challenging times.
Here are a few more St.-Francis-approved funnies I hope you’ll enjoy:
“April distance brings May existence.”
(Rat #1) “Oh look, there’s a human.”
(Rat #2) “Don’t touch it—they carry diseases.”
“Of all the things I learned in grade school, how to avoid cooties was the last one I ever expected to use.”
To all those grandparents who are missing their grandkids right now: Once this is over, you can have them for a month. Sincerely, an Exhausted Mom.”
“Technically, showing up at the bank wearing a mask and gloves is now okay?”
“30 days hath September, April, June, and November. All the rest have 31…except March which had 231.”
“Remember meeting someone for coffee? Those were the days.”
“Now more than ever, we should be calling J.G. Wentworth 877-CASH-NOW.”
“My social calendar:
7:30 AM Breakfast with me, unless I’m not hungry.
Noon Lunch with me, unless I’m still taking a nap.
5:30 PM Dinner with me, and I can’t cancel that again.”
“It’s very important to stay well-rested in order to focus on washing your hands, scrolling the Internet, and looking out the window.”
“Louisiana now has a new parish: Bayou Self”
“The Powerball Lottery is now up to an 18-pack of Charmin.”
“I just returned from the grocery store with my husband. We took our masks off. Wrong husband! Be attentive.”
“Tomorrow is the National Home School Tornado Drill. Lock your kids in the basement until you give the all clear.”
“Hormel Foods made their first batch of Spam in 1937. With everyone out shopping and hoarding food, they just announced they’ll be making the second batch this week.”
(The Dog) “I couldn’t wait for them to come home. Now I can’t wait for them to leave!”
And here’s that same final inspiring thought again taken directly from St. Francis of Assisi’s playbook:
“When the dust settles, we will realize how very little we need, how very much we actually have, and the true value of human connection. Empty streets, restaurants, stadiums, theaters, stores, etc. isn’t the end of the world. It’s the most remarkable act of global solidarity we may ever witness.”
Blessings, everyone, stay safe, and may there be something funny to enjoy everyday.
Sister Nancy Linenkugel
Franciscan in Administration
Sister Nancy Linenkugel is the current Congregational Minister for the Sylvania Franciscans. She has served in healthcare administration, education and leadership for the congregation. From 2011-2020
Sister Nancy served as the Chair of the Department of Health Services Administration and Director of the Graduate Program in Health Services Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati, and was the first program alumna to serve in that position. She was President of Chatfield College in Cincinnati, President and CEO of the Providence Health System and Providence Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio, and Vice President of St. John Medical Center in Steubenville, Ohio. She is a life fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and has served on its national board. Sister Nancy was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 1999. She is an accomplished cello player and a member of the Washington D.C.-based Medical Musical Group, made up of doctors, nurses and medical professionals from around the country, and also recently completed service as president of the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra. She is a Toledo, Ohio native and a liturgical musician.
I enjoyed this bit of levity in all this heaviness. Thanks!