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By Peggy Zabicki
Your correspondent in West Lawn
3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327
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During the time period before Christmas we hope the cards we sent to family and friends were received and enjoyed by those we care about. Now that Christmas Day has passed and we are playing with our new toys, it is a good time to thank our mail delivery people for the work they do. West Lawn resident Marie B. shared her thoughts with me.
Marie said, “I’d like to recognize our fantastic postal carrier, Dave. He is always friendly and very kind and goes above and beyond to see that our mail and packages are delivered safely. Now more than ever we know that postal carriers are vulnerable to attacks and robberies. We hope Dave stays safe on his rounds, and we thank him for the wonderful service he provides to our community.”
Postal carriers have to deal with the ever-present loose dogs in West Lawn. I don’t know how they deal with that problem. Loose dogs are often aggressive and attack without being provoked. Connie G. a neighbor of mine, is a true dog lover and has helped raise and take care of many neglected West Lawn dogs for decades. She has been part of the solution instead of being part of the problem. Thank you, Connie! You have helped make West Lawn a better neighborhood.
In addition to loose dogs, other animals have been spotted in West Lawn. Some are unwanted, like rats, and some I’m not sure about–like poultry. Recently, a chicken was spotted crossing the street at 65th Place between Hamlin and Springfield. I ask the question, why did the chicken cross the road?
Our streets have been easy to cross because the weather has been mild. Eventually, we will have snow. Hopefully, all our streets will be plowed in a timely manner. I say this every year and I still hope it will happen someday.
In the meantime, all property owners are required to shovel their sidewalks. If you are a senior citizen and need help with this task, you can call 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn for help. He has a snow shoveling service for senior citizens. Call (773) 581-1313 and your name and address will be added to his list. He’s making a list and checking it twice. Thank you, Alderman Quinn!
It’s never too early to think about spring. Midway Baseball and Softball Association announced that spring registration is now open for youths of all ages. Visit their midwaybaseballsoftball.com for details about early-bird discounts. Use code # ILM24.
I want to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ann Czaja, who passed away recently. Ann was a member of St. Turibius Parish for more than 50 years. She was loved by many.
The blessing of a relationship with a longtime loved one brings years of sharing, laughter and having someone who understands you and “gets” you.
The rewards are so great, but with the passing away of such a cherished person comes a sadness that weighs so heavy, especially at your first Christmas without that person. You think of your loved one and your eyes fill with tears. Eventually, the tears will come with smiles. It takes so much time. How do we cope with all this?
Weeping may last for the night, but joy will come in the morning. (Psalm 30:5).
Think of the star that guided the three wise men. May it also guide you.