For Whom the Bell Tolls...

For Whom the Bell Tolls

by

John Donne

                                                                      No man is an island,

                                                                      Entire of itself.

                                                                      Each is a piece of the continent,

                                                                      A part of the main.

                                                                      If a clod be washed away by the sea,

                                                                      Europe is the less.

                                                                      As well as if a promontory were.

                                                                      As well as if a manor of thine own

                                                                      Or of thine friend’s were.

                                                                      Each man's death diminishes me,

                                                                      For I am involved in mankind.

                                                                      Therefore, send not to know

                                                                      For whom the bell tolls,

                                                                      It tolls for thee.

Many are familiar with this timeless poem and this Funeral Director, though certainly familiar with this passage, has never been more in step with its meaning. It has been a tumultuous year for J.F. Goode Funeral Home staff as we strived to continue to support the community in its time of need. We have followed strict regulations provided by the New York State Department of Health as well as CDC guidelines that have put us in the difficult role of managing both the guidelines and the wishes of families to provide a proper homecoming for their loved ones. Gratefully, with the cooperation and understanding of the families we have served this past year, we have been able to manage a very dire situation, but one that did not come without its own challenges. Despite taking every precaution possible, I still managed to contract the virus and experienced a torturous three weeks of wondering whether that bell was about to toll for me! The thought of my being added to that unimaginable number of souls that have departed was a chilling reminder that we are indeed not islands unto ourselves, but part of the greater family of mankind. As I have often said in our “Getting Your House in Order” seminars, “even this Undertaker will be called home when his time is nigh.” I thank God that this was not my time!

I did want to take this opportunity to thank all the clergy, particularly Pastor Willie and FirstLady Theresa; Pastor Gayle and Apostle Brown; all of their respective parishioners as well as a host of community friends and neighbors that sent your prayers, well-wishes, and care packages during my illness. You truly nursed me back to health with your thoughtfulness and kindness. I’m pleased to report that my physician has given me a clean bill of health and that I am COVID free, except of course for the antigens that my body can now use as armor to ward off any potential, future attacks! You can be certain that as soon as my physician gives the go ahead, I will be getting the vaccination which is something that I encourage everyone of you to do when you become eligible. This virus is nasty and though it took me down for a while, blessedly, I did not have to be hospitalized nor experience the post-Covid “long hauler” effects that many are still grappling with. Taking advantage of the availability and access to the vaccination is an important reminder that we must do our part for none of us is an island unto ourselves and indeed, we need not ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee!