While I ordinarily write about personal experiences, my favorite secular Christmas story was told to me in the mid-1980s by a guy I met at a chill midsummer Saturday night party of college-educated twenty-somethings in one of those tall apartment buildings in Hackensack, New Jersey that one sees stretching in a line while looking north from Route 80. The building was the kind that young people move to when they start getting white collar jobs and making decent incomes after having paid some education and employment dues.
Trying not to sob here. Beautifully written. Love the story of the bike! I just said to my husband last night, "How is that WE are the most common sense, smart people out of all the people we know with Master Degrees, doctors, nurses, etc?" It still amazes me that restaurants created enclosed spaces outside that were much more confined than eating inside in a larger space. And, as you've pointed out, that's just ONE of the many idiot things that were done. I too, believed we all had a moral code. That we had a gut instinct, a "trip wire" common sense component. We have sadly learned that survival via STATUS/GROUPTHINK is more important than the trinity of survival: life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. Thank you for this wonderful story. Merry Christmas! (ps. I can't believe you were a milk man! In Paterson no less!!!!)
Great story & great truth. My faith in people & institutions is completely destroyed. Nothing feels the same & the joy in life & living feels forced now. I did read of 1 glimmer of hope yesterday: Tim Robbins - stereotypical leftie actor - was on Russell Brand’s podcast & they discussed all of the terrible reaction of people like him who had denigrated & villified people like us. He followed all of the idiotic “rules” but somewhere along the way, he lost complete faith in what he’d been told & was heartily sorry for his actions. It was actually so refreshing to hear a public figure say it all out loud - his actions, his awakening & his apology. There needs to be a whole lot more of that honesty & humility but IDK if we’ll get it. But maybe it’s a start....
Mark, thanks for this amazing bike story. It’s the perfect kind of Christmas story for the moment: While much is taken, much abides! You have had such a rich, story- filled life.
Speaking of being treated as a diseased vector, just yesterday, I was treated as such. Just yesterday! Still, I will turn on my Elvis Christmas music today, wrap presents, and plan happily to host the good (fellow unvaxxed) friends who will will join us for Christmas fajitas. I would love to have you join us if you want to swing by Ohio.
In 2020 we were all on a more equal footing, as the shots hadn't rolled out yet. By the end of 2021, I was the sole holdout in my family. Omicron paid a visit to some family members who were positive and symptomatic. As I had recently dropped by their household, my adult children refused (in an abundance of caution) to come to my house for Christmas. All of this unfolded in the few days leading up to Christmas 2021. Test kits were impossible to come by, and testing sites shut down for the holiday. I never got a test (I've never had one, actually) -- so, without any proof one way or another, despite no symptoms, but probably magnified by my known status as an anti-vaxxer.... the decisions were made, and out of my control.
Not the Christmas with family I'd planned and looked forward to, after most milestone events and gatherings for about two years already had been cancelled.
My first Christmas in my longish life was spent completely alone, without any face-to-face human contact. Yet, it was one of the nicest, most peaceful Christmases I've ever had. As Mark said, compartmentalization is necessary, and that is what I knew to do. I chose to have a merry Christmas, and to engage in thoughts and activities that would bring peace and joy. I made a nice dinner, played music, called a few friends, went for a walk to see the neighborhood Christmas decorations, contemplated and reflected, accepted and played with the cat.
But I tell you what: I don't ever want to have to do that again. It was forced upon me. And yes, all faith and trust in life institutions and milestones has crumbled. All I have left is myself and my connection to God (I know there are others like me, and I do believe we will find each other, but I am speaking of who and what were the familiar people and events in my life that brought meaning and that I could always count upon.)
This year I feel quiet, resigned, resolute, determined, brave, angry, sorrowful and compassionate. Not really feeling peace and joy, but I intend to compartmentalize again, if only for one day.
The insightfulness of F. Scott Fitzgerald's description of the uber-wealthy in his novel "The Great Gatsby" exemplifies the behavior of "COVID criminals" : “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy--they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”
The "mess" are the millions whose lives were devastated by the vaxx mandates and the array of irreparable adverse reactions; the lockdowns causing thousands of small business bankruptcies, the children who were left emotionally traumatized and intellectually stunted, the elderly who died alone and in despair in nursing homes, and everyday citizens who've permanently lost confidence in the medical system and are reticent to seek healthcare. This time Tom and Daisy's mess are crimes against humanity and they must be held accountable.
Thank you for this Mark! Though I’d love to hear “You were Right all Along” from those closest to me I realize that confirmation from you may have to suffice! 😀. Merry Christmas!🎁🎄
For the first time in years (even years before the craze) I feel christmassy this year. It already started in the end of November, I put out my decoration a week early. Usually I do it the first Sunday in December but this year, I just couldn't wait! I have been singing christmas songs even though I am not a real believer. It is just that I see the dominoes falling. I see how here and there, doctors are sticking out their heads, how health workers are speaking up, how more and more people red pill. Unfortunately, also a lot of people have died and are harmed. But the dominoes are falling. It might take a lifetime, but the building will crumble, the river will break through the dam. I say a little prayer that people might get wiser, be a bit more on the alert and trust their governments and their doctors less and use their own brains and their own common snese. I wish everyone a large bottle of that last one.
Merry Christmas, Mark. Growing up, I had one set of grandparents in Rochelle Park and the other set in West Orange. Christmas memories for me are New Jersey memories, so this was especially poignant. I have been wavering between blah and pissed off this season. I just can't look at folks the same way again. Ever. It's hard to reach down and find the joy when the veil is off on the majority of humanity.
I hope you get to take your road trip. If you publish a rough itinerary, I'll bet you'd be able to hang with readers from coast to coast :). I'm in NC. You're welcome anytime!
My biggest disappointment in my fellow Man and Americans in particular is the realization the glaring lack of pushback against these global/one-world/assholes.
They all, in some way, got the pharma gold mine, and we got the shaft.
BTW
As a young farmboy turned truck driver at that time, I made potato deliveries from up here in North Maine to Patterson, Passaic, Jersey City, and Newark
What a story! And one that started out bad, but ended up so good- I love that kind of story! Thanks for sharing it Mark and Merry Christmas to you!
One of my goals in the aftermath of all this Coronascam is to not forget what our leaders did and to tell the truth when someone spouts off a lie concerning the justification of all the BS we've seen in the last 30 months. Your continued reminders of reality help to keep me focused on what really matters- the truth about our country and what we've devolved into- it's not a pretty sight.
I wish the readers and ones who comment so eloquently on this stack the best at this most wonderful time of the year! God bless the children!
This was my first full-read this a.m. It resonated, as I was just mulling it over last night, that I have zero desire to be around people who excluded us so readily at the government's command, when the government had such faulty data to justify any mandates.
Last year I was teary, while telling my sister that I thought they might remove my family to a camp. She just stared at me. While she's been better than most (a sister-in-law from my husband's side is brutal, and I want nothing further to do with her, ever), it's all been, nonetheless, relationship damaging. There are so many that I just don't want in my life anymore. I just had a colleague attack me last week, when I casually mentioned the media couldn't be trusted. I was shocked by her (over) reaction. However, I realized last night that her blue-pill reality bubble depends on her belief that it is just the "ignorant and uneducated" questioning the narrative. As I don't fit, I could have penetrated the bubble.
Your article reminded me of a recent read "The day I understood the 'good German.' I am going to link it below for anyone who missed it last winter:
Merry Christmas, Mark. Blessings to you and your family. A wonderful Christmas story. Thank you.
I was just talking with my wife about the broad, deep, and lasting harms this has caused. I sometimes find hard to see how the future improves. It makes me sad for my grandchildren.
Your "milkman" reminded me of being a paperboy for 3 years when I was 13-15. A large route 100+ daily and 150+ Sunday in a tough neighborhood. I had to traverse the route making "collections" and carrying funds to make change and I learned to look over my shoulder too avoid being robbed. Life lessons that remain with me.
2 years since we’ve been able to fly to New York for Christmas with our daughter and family. Last year because many vaxxed and boosted got Covid including grandson. We were told not to come. Now there is a large storm bearing down on us and we might not get out this year either. The air.ine wanted to stick us with an extra $600 each to change the day we left. Then down to $250.00 each on top of the original tickets which were double we usually pay. Nope. I absolutely hate flying now. They can stick it where the sun don’t shine. It might be a FaceTime Christmas again. Merry Christmas Happy Hanukkah everyone.
Mark, I can directly relate to your story and your fear of being held up while working. Way back in the late 70's while working my way through Monmouth College pumping gas in Neptune, NJ at a station on Route 33 I was the victim of an armed robbery at closing time. As I write this it still remains the only time I looked down the wrong end of a gun and I pray it always remains the last. Easily the most frightening experience in my life and that includes open heart surgery.
At this point in time I believe anyone who wants to admit that they where wrong or mislead by the government has done so. I can't help but recall the actions of public figures like Neil Young in the past year putting his reputation on the line in pushing and demanding all of us submit to his commands to get the shot. The funny part is if any of them just said that they where wrong, I was mistaken, please forgive me and accept my apologies I would do so. But their egos won't allow them to be repentant, to be sorry. They all continue to double and triple down on their losing hand. If someone still won't offer a handshake or a relative offer me a hug I am done with their kind.
Dec 21, 2022·edited Dec 21, 2022Liked by Mark Oshinskie
I like your Christmas story. It was an odd one. Lots of fear from someone who really intended no physical harm. The store guy probably suffered some mental harm, but he had a great story to tell.
Down here in the Volunteer State, we still havre a few jab-loving, mask wearers, but I saw on one of those charts that may or may not be accurate that only 45% of my county is fully shot up and only 36% boosted. I live in a poor rural county.
I’m making no sugar promises because it’s Christmas. It was a tradition in my family to have several desserts so that’s what I’m gonna do. I’m making mini pecan pies with homemade short crust. I made a jam cake (apparently only a Tennessee/Kentucky delight) because it reminds be of my mama! When I read that it was local to Tennessee, I could not let that tradition go! It will have caramel icing. We are making a coconut cake and daughter made a Yule long. To go way back to my English roots, I made a fruit cake about 6 weeks ago and I pour amaretto on it every week. I also made amaretto balls with amaretto, well chopped almonds, dried cherries, and confectioner’s sugar. They are dipped in chocolate. They are delicious! I love baking at Christmas because I don’t very often during the year!
A TALE OF TWO CHRISTMASES
Trying not to sob here. Beautifully written. Love the story of the bike! I just said to my husband last night, "How is that WE are the most common sense, smart people out of all the people we know with Master Degrees, doctors, nurses, etc?" It still amazes me that restaurants created enclosed spaces outside that were much more confined than eating inside in a larger space. And, as you've pointed out, that's just ONE of the many idiot things that were done. I too, believed we all had a moral code. That we had a gut instinct, a "trip wire" common sense component. We have sadly learned that survival via STATUS/GROUPTHINK is more important than the trinity of survival: life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. Thank you for this wonderful story. Merry Christmas! (ps. I can't believe you were a milk man! In Paterson no less!!!!)
Great story & great truth. My faith in people & institutions is completely destroyed. Nothing feels the same & the joy in life & living feels forced now. I did read of 1 glimmer of hope yesterday: Tim Robbins - stereotypical leftie actor - was on Russell Brand’s podcast & they discussed all of the terrible reaction of people like him who had denigrated & villified people like us. He followed all of the idiotic “rules” but somewhere along the way, he lost complete faith in what he’d been told & was heartily sorry for his actions. It was actually so refreshing to hear a public figure say it all out loud - his actions, his awakening & his apology. There needs to be a whole lot more of that honesty & humility but IDK if we’ll get it. But maybe it’s a start....
Mark, thanks for this amazing bike story. It’s the perfect kind of Christmas story for the moment: While much is taken, much abides! You have had such a rich, story- filled life.
Speaking of being treated as a diseased vector, just yesterday, I was treated as such. Just yesterday! Still, I will turn on my Elvis Christmas music today, wrap presents, and plan happily to host the good (fellow unvaxxed) friends who will will join us for Christmas fajitas. I would love to have you join us if you want to swing by Ohio.
Merry Christmas, Everyone.
In 2020 we were all on a more equal footing, as the shots hadn't rolled out yet. By the end of 2021, I was the sole holdout in my family. Omicron paid a visit to some family members who were positive and symptomatic. As I had recently dropped by their household, my adult children refused (in an abundance of caution) to come to my house for Christmas. All of this unfolded in the few days leading up to Christmas 2021. Test kits were impossible to come by, and testing sites shut down for the holiday. I never got a test (I've never had one, actually) -- so, without any proof one way or another, despite no symptoms, but probably magnified by my known status as an anti-vaxxer.... the decisions were made, and out of my control.
Not the Christmas with family I'd planned and looked forward to, after most milestone events and gatherings for about two years already had been cancelled.
My first Christmas in my longish life was spent completely alone, without any face-to-face human contact. Yet, it was one of the nicest, most peaceful Christmases I've ever had. As Mark said, compartmentalization is necessary, and that is what I knew to do. I chose to have a merry Christmas, and to engage in thoughts and activities that would bring peace and joy. I made a nice dinner, played music, called a few friends, went for a walk to see the neighborhood Christmas decorations, contemplated and reflected, accepted and played with the cat.
But I tell you what: I don't ever want to have to do that again. It was forced upon me. And yes, all faith and trust in life institutions and milestones has crumbled. All I have left is myself and my connection to God (I know there are others like me, and I do believe we will find each other, but I am speaking of who and what were the familiar people and events in my life that brought meaning and that I could always count upon.)
This year I feel quiet, resigned, resolute, determined, brave, angry, sorrowful and compassionate. Not really feeling peace and joy, but I intend to compartmentalize again, if only for one day.
The insightfulness of F. Scott Fitzgerald's description of the uber-wealthy in his novel "The Great Gatsby" exemplifies the behavior of "COVID criminals" : “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy--they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”
The "mess" are the millions whose lives were devastated by the vaxx mandates and the array of irreparable adverse reactions; the lockdowns causing thousands of small business bankruptcies, the children who were left emotionally traumatized and intellectually stunted, the elderly who died alone and in despair in nursing homes, and everyday citizens who've permanently lost confidence in the medical system and are reticent to seek healthcare. This time Tom and Daisy's mess are crimes against humanity and they must be held accountable.
Thank you for this Mark! Though I’d love to hear “You were Right all Along” from those closest to me I realize that confirmation from you may have to suffice! 😀. Merry Christmas!🎁🎄
For the first time in years (even years before the craze) I feel christmassy this year. It already started in the end of November, I put out my decoration a week early. Usually I do it the first Sunday in December but this year, I just couldn't wait! I have been singing christmas songs even though I am not a real believer. It is just that I see the dominoes falling. I see how here and there, doctors are sticking out their heads, how health workers are speaking up, how more and more people red pill. Unfortunately, also a lot of people have died and are harmed. But the dominoes are falling. It might take a lifetime, but the building will crumble, the river will break through the dam. I say a little prayer that people might get wiser, be a bit more on the alert and trust their governments and their doctors less and use their own brains and their own common snese. I wish everyone a large bottle of that last one.
Merry Christmas, Mark. Growing up, I had one set of grandparents in Rochelle Park and the other set in West Orange. Christmas memories for me are New Jersey memories, so this was especially poignant. I have been wavering between blah and pissed off this season. I just can't look at folks the same way again. Ever. It's hard to reach down and find the joy when the veil is off on the majority of humanity.
I hope you get to take your road trip. If you publish a rough itinerary, I'll bet you'd be able to hang with readers from coast to coast :). I'm in NC. You're welcome anytime!
My biggest disappointment in my fellow Man and Americans in particular is the realization the glaring lack of pushback against these global/one-world/assholes.
They all, in some way, got the pharma gold mine, and we got the shaft.
BTW
As a young farmboy turned truck driver at that time, I made potato deliveries from up here in North Maine to Patterson, Passaic, Jersey City, and Newark
Man........you're lucky to be alive......
What a story! And one that started out bad, but ended up so good- I love that kind of story! Thanks for sharing it Mark and Merry Christmas to you!
One of my goals in the aftermath of all this Coronascam is to not forget what our leaders did and to tell the truth when someone spouts off a lie concerning the justification of all the BS we've seen in the last 30 months. Your continued reminders of reality help to keep me focused on what really matters- the truth about our country and what we've devolved into- it's not a pretty sight.
I wish the readers and ones who comment so eloquently on this stack the best at this most wonderful time of the year! God bless the children!
This was my first full-read this a.m. It resonated, as I was just mulling it over last night, that I have zero desire to be around people who excluded us so readily at the government's command, when the government had such faulty data to justify any mandates.
Last year I was teary, while telling my sister that I thought they might remove my family to a camp. She just stared at me. While she's been better than most (a sister-in-law from my husband's side is brutal, and I want nothing further to do with her, ever), it's all been, nonetheless, relationship damaging. There are so many that I just don't want in my life anymore. I just had a colleague attack me last week, when I casually mentioned the media couldn't be trusted. I was shocked by her (over) reaction. However, I realized last night that her blue-pill reality bubble depends on her belief that it is just the "ignorant and uneducated" questioning the narrative. As I don't fit, I could have penetrated the bubble.
Your article reminded me of a recent read "The day I understood the 'good German.' I am going to link it below for anyone who missed it last winter:
https://www.francesoir.fr/opinions-tribunes/the-day-i-understood-good-german?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emai
By the way, I did enjoy the bike story. I was holding my breath...
Merry Christmas, Mark. Blessings to you and your family. A wonderful Christmas story. Thank you.
I was just talking with my wife about the broad, deep, and lasting harms this has caused. I sometimes find hard to see how the future improves. It makes me sad for my grandchildren.
Your "milkman" reminded me of being a paperboy for 3 years when I was 13-15. A large route 100+ daily and 150+ Sunday in a tough neighborhood. I had to traverse the route making "collections" and carrying funds to make change and I learned to look over my shoulder too avoid being robbed. Life lessons that remain with me.
2 years since we’ve been able to fly to New York for Christmas with our daughter and family. Last year because many vaxxed and boosted got Covid including grandson. We were told not to come. Now there is a large storm bearing down on us and we might not get out this year either. The air.ine wanted to stick us with an extra $600 each to change the day we left. Then down to $250.00 each on top of the original tickets which were double we usually pay. Nope. I absolutely hate flying now. They can stick it where the sun don’t shine. It might be a FaceTime Christmas again. Merry Christmas Happy Hanukkah everyone.
Mark, I can directly relate to your story and your fear of being held up while working. Way back in the late 70's while working my way through Monmouth College pumping gas in Neptune, NJ at a station on Route 33 I was the victim of an armed robbery at closing time. As I write this it still remains the only time I looked down the wrong end of a gun and I pray it always remains the last. Easily the most frightening experience in my life and that includes open heart surgery.
At this point in time I believe anyone who wants to admit that they where wrong or mislead by the government has done so. I can't help but recall the actions of public figures like Neil Young in the past year putting his reputation on the line in pushing and demanding all of us submit to his commands to get the shot. The funny part is if any of them just said that they where wrong, I was mistaken, please forgive me and accept my apologies I would do so. But their egos won't allow them to be repentant, to be sorry. They all continue to double and triple down on their losing hand. If someone still won't offer a handshake or a relative offer me a hug I am done with their kind.
Amazing story Mark.
This made the list of my favorite Mark O quotes, “...permanently depressed young people who have holes in their lives where happy memories should be,”
Perfect characterization of the unfolding tragedy.
I like your Christmas story. It was an odd one. Lots of fear from someone who really intended no physical harm. The store guy probably suffered some mental harm, but he had a great story to tell.
Down here in the Volunteer State, we still havre a few jab-loving, mask wearers, but I saw on one of those charts that may or may not be accurate that only 45% of my county is fully shot up and only 36% boosted. I live in a poor rural county.
I’m making no sugar promises because it’s Christmas. It was a tradition in my family to have several desserts so that’s what I’m gonna do. I’m making mini pecan pies with homemade short crust. I made a jam cake (apparently only a Tennessee/Kentucky delight) because it reminds be of my mama! When I read that it was local to Tennessee, I could not let that tradition go! It will have caramel icing. We are making a coconut cake and daughter made a Yule long. To go way back to my English roots, I made a fruit cake about 6 weeks ago and I pour amaretto on it every week. I also made amaretto balls with amaretto, well chopped almonds, dried cherries, and confectioner’s sugar. They are dipped in chocolate. They are delicious! I love baking at Christmas because I don’t very often during the year!