My favorite Aesop fable is about the farmer who desperately wanted a larger home for his family. Below is my truncated version of the tale.
The farmer had everything he wanted in life except one thing - a larger home. With a wife and three children, his two-bedroom home was just too cramped. So, every night before he went to bed, he prayed to God for a larger home.
After years of his prayers going unanswered, God spoke to him one night. He told the farmer to get two chickens from the barn and to keep them in the house. The farmer, amazed to have his prayers heard, did as God instructed.
Another week went by with nightly prayers, but no further response. On the eighth night, God instructed the farmer to get two pigs from the barn and to keep them in the house. Of course, the farmer complied.
A week later, God responded yet again. He told the farmer to get two cows from the barn and to keep them in the house. The farmer questioned God as to how this would get him a larger home, but God did not respond. The farmer moved the two cows into the house.
Yet another week later, God spoke again. This time he told the farmer to get two horses from the barn and to keep them in the house. This time the farmer protested, but God spoke no more. So the farmer moved two horses into the house.
Several more weeks went by with nightly prayers, but with no answer from God. The farmer repeated his prayers for a larger home, and also stressed how much worse it had become with all of the animals in the house. Still no answer.
Finally, after 30 days, God spoke. He told the farmer to return all of the animals to the barn. He gave no further instruction. So early the next morning, the farmer moved the chickens, pigs, cows, and horses back into the barn.
That night, the farmer had a very different prayer to God, and a much shorter one at that. He said only, "Thank you, God."
The global pandemic has altered our lives in so many ways. For most of us, it has meant no dinners out with friends; no movie nights at the theater; canceled weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other large celebrations; virtual seders and church services; and much more. Too numerous to list here.
For some it has been far worse - losing loved ones to the ravages of the pandemic. But like the farmer in my undoubtedly butchered version of Aesop's fable, it has taught us much as well. And no, I am not talking about how to use Zoom.
It has taught us how much we treasure human interaction, especially with friends and family. Like many of you, trips to visit children and grandchildren were canceled. I cannot take the risk of flying 3,000 miles to see my daughter and her family for fear of bringing the virus into her home. She cannot bring them here, for the same reason. Some family visits are at best speaking through front doors, appropriately distanced and masked. No hugs on this visit.
The OCBA Holiday Gala has always been one of my favorite events of the year. It is perennially a sell-out event. The chance to hoist a drink with friend and foe alike, fellow members of the bar. The chance to toast a judicial officer along with your fellow officers of the court. To drink, to eat, but also to shake hands and hug. And best of all - the chance to see what outrageous outfit Ryan Plecha will wear this year!
For obvious reasons, we will not be able to gather this holiday season for our annual Holiday Gala. I, for one, am deeply saddened by this additional reality of the global pandemic. I will miss the joy, the laughter, the handshakes, the hugs, and even a few kisses on the cheek.
But like my fabled farmer, I will be very grateful for what I have. Yes, we may have to light Chanukah candles virtually to recite prayers. Yes, we may have to open Christmas gifts via Zoom parties to share the wonder and joy of little ones as they open their presents. But I will be forever grateful for all the professional relationships, friends, and family in my life. And I will never take for granted the chance to greet them next time I see them - with a warm embrace.
On behalf of the OCBA, I wish all of you the best possible holiday season one can have. And to all: Merry Christmas; Happy Chanukah; Feliz Navidad; Joyeux Noel; Frohe Weihnachten; Buon Natale; Feliz Natal; Vrolijk Kerstfeest; Craciun Fericit; Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia; God Jul; Vesele Vanoce; and, although for a different holiday, Eid Mubarak.
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Keefe A. Brooks, of Brooks, Wilkins, Sharkey, & Turco PLLC, is the 88th president of the Oakland County Bar Association.
