In Memory of Francis Gritzmacher

Is it time to get back on track and plan a memorial for Frank? Have we learned enough to cope with the pandemic and be able to assemble with safety? I've had discussions with two people recently about this topic. I don't know the answer. I have to plead guilty to a large degree of procrastination, inertia, and lethargy. I have been dealing with health issues of my own and really don't have a lot of energy to accomplish much right now. But, I'm also afraid that if I let this slide any longer, it will be forgotten and all momentum will be lost. So, I am asking those of you, Frank's friends, what do you want to do? I need your help if we are to hold some sort of memorial. I'm open to whatever you decide and will participate and support it as much as I am able. We had a sort of informal committee to plan this at one point before COVID derailed it all. Would some of you mind starting things up again, at least to discuss the options and get a timetable going? Please discuss and let's come up with a plan. I will post this on Facebook as well.

Remember how we were using every way we could think of to help COTA and raise money for Frank's transplant?
How we were using Amazon Smile when we ordered things? I haven't stopped. I just checked today after I ordered something, to see how much I've generated.
It's not a lot, but it has added up over time. I'm going to keep doing it. It costs me nothing and is kind of an ongoing way to honor Frank.

Well, we missed out on doing a virtual get-together for the Anniversary of Frank's passing. Some of us were interested, but I just couldn't get behind putting it all together. It was just too sad an occasion and I wasn't up to it. So we all observed it in our own, solitary ways, quietly. That seems fitting too.

I hesitate to say anything and jinx it by bringing it up, but maybe, just maybe, an end to the COVID quarantine is coming. Many people have by now received their vaccinations. I hope you have been able to find yours and will be getting it soon, if not already done. It's not complete protection, but every person that gets it brings us all closer to living in a society with herd immunity. We'll all probably be getting booster shots every year just like the FLU vaccine, so it will become a way of life.

So, let's watch the announcements from the government about when and how public assemblies will be allowed to happen again. It's been loosening up gradually now for a while and it won't be long until we can hold a proper memorial gathering for Frank. Think about how you'd like to see it happen and how you can help make it happen. My high school is talking about holding our 50th Reunion too. I think a lot of celebrations will be happening this summer and that may make facilities be in short supply. We'll need to be flexible and work around that.

But, start thinking about it! Let me know your thoughts...

It feels like forever in many ways. In others, it was yesterday. But the anniversary of Frank's passing is just a month away.

It also feels like we should do something to observe the occasion, but I don't know what. We've been waiting patiently for this pandemic crisis to pass and the end of that doesn't seem much nearer, either.

So, I'm putting this out there to his friends, how can we do something for the date virtually, while under the pandemic lockdown? Any idas? Does anyone want to start something? I'm open for suggestions and willing to help. Let me know...