Scottish poet Robert Burns, ploughing his field, accidentally destroyed the nest that a mouse had carefully prepared in anticipation of winter. Reflecting, Burns left us the well-known phrase “best-laid plans”:
You saw the fields laid bare and empty, and weary winter coming fast,
And cozy here, beneath the blast, you thought to dwell,
Till crash! The cruel plough passed out through your cell.
But Mouse, you are not alone in proving foresight may be vain:
The best-laid schemes of mice and men go oft awry,
And leave us nothing but grief and pain for promised joy!
Just so for us in many ways. In a sense, that cruel plough of COVID passed through our nest, destroying our best-laid plans. Now having navigated a full year of adjustment with the programs which were so thoughtfully planned, we have learned to hold things lightly. I look forward to the carefully reimagined programs listed in the calendar. Someday soon, it will be wonderful to meet in person again.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to pick up the phone or reach out in some way to a fellow AGO colleague.. It means a lot when someone cares to connect. Not only does it make our chapter stronger, but a better and more enjoyable place to belong.
Warmly,
Judy Kohl, Dean