The five senses are important for all of us. Eating would not be much fun if you were unable to taste things. If I was unable to hear I would miss the sounds of the birds as well as the music that enriches my life. If I was not able to see I would miss the beauty that the creator sets around me. Touching is the last of the senses. What would life be like if I could not reach out and touch things?

Right now, we are all being asked not to touch things — for our good mind you. I for one miss the sense of touch. I miss hugging the grandchildren. I miss hugging the children. I miss the communion with friends. This life without the sense of touch is for the birds.

I do not remember any other time in history that we were asked not to touch people and things. I lived through the polio scare. I lived through people having scarlet fever. I lived through the era of tuberculosis.

When a girl in my class got tuberculosis, I was told to go to Lily Dale Sanatorium to be tested. I went through the procedure and heard nothing so I must not have had the virus that causes it. I also was tested when I taught school and later when I signed on to volunteer in the health care field.

I am not a germophobe. While I like to keep things clean, I am not obsessed with keeping all of the germs away. Incidentally, that cannot be done unless you live in a bubble.

All of us receive mail into our homes each day. Who is to say that all of the mail is without germs? Some germs can live on paper for up to one week we are told. This social distancing really bothers me. I miss people. I have done my best to keep in touch with people through e-mails and social media, but it is not the same.

See PROUD, Page E2

I miss being with people. I miss going to lunch with friends. I miss the hugs that we gave as we met each other after a time of being away. I am not good at social distancing.

The only person that I am free to touch is my husband — I live with him. We have spent more time on our couch watching television and playing computer games than we ever have. We visit while we watch television. At least I have someone to interact with.

Memorial Day this year will be different. There will be no Memorial Service with the high school band and other speakers. There will be no putting flowers during the service in memory of people.

I found the words to the song “Proud to be an American” where at least I know I’m free. Am I really free this year? I do not feel like it. I am told what I can do and what I am not allowed to do. I am told who I can see and who I am not able to see. I am told to call restaurants to order meals, but take them home to eat. I am told to wear a mask when I go out. This is not how I grew up. This is not how I am used to functioning. I am told to not go to church to worship. We have now missed nine Sundays of worship and I miss my church family.

Lee Greenwood wrote and recorded a song in 1984 that became his signature song. I print the words here for you to ponder. There is deep meaning in these words — especially at this time.

Proud to Be an American

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d

Worked for all my life.

And I had to start again with just my

Children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today.

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and

They can’ take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where at

Least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died, who

Gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and

Defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee,

Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA

Well there’s pride in every American heart,

And it’s time to stand and say.

I’m proud to be an American where at

Least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died, who

gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and

Defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA.

Thank you, Mr. Greenwood. This weekend we celebrate the brave men and women who gave their lives in some cases to ensure that we can be free. May we remember to defend that flag and all it stands for. God bless America.

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.