Whenever things looked grim, grandfather was upbeat. “It’s the best of times. Medicine conquers disease. Education brings opportunity. Hard work rewards.”

Then, the pandemic struck. Everything turned dark. Jobs disappeared. Schools closed. Disease prevailed.

Even as the virus took his breath, grandfather reassured, “It will get better. Work at it.”

Bill Diamond finds pleasure in translating thoughts into words and polishing their rough edges. It helps him to better grasp the world and its quirks.