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This has been a week and a half of firsts and lasts. For the first time in my 40-plus years in this newspaper office I have worked part of my time at home. Imagine doing interviews and finding the news from the comfort of one's home. But modern technology has allowed that to happen.
Not since 9-11-2001 have I seen the streets so empty. Not since that fateful day of the uncertainty of life have I seen people scared of the next day. Who would have imagined that fights could break out over the last roll of toilet tissue?
I had never before felt the pangs of worry that have crossed my mind as they have now. Worry for the oldest of my family and friends, while also praying for the youngest that they be spared this virus that has struck down so many across the world.
Now I understand wartime when things become scarce and fear -- deserved or misplaced -- is real.
Sadly, when things of this magnitude take over our world, other events are overshadowed. In the past week and a half, a family buried Frank Scenna, a longtime Wheeling barber who touched the lives of several generations. Another family buried a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend in Sue Stadler.
I had met both of these people. Frank was the barber who bid everyone to be nice because he was the definition of the word. Sue, who even after working many years for the city of Wheeling, kept me up on the happenings of this community and of her cherished family.
Both of these people deserved a grand farewell but it was not to be because of the current state of social distancing.
Last but not least, our newsroom has experienced the loss of a class act with the retirement of Linda Comins. As a journalist, she earned the respect of her community. As a colleague, she is a mentor and a friend. There is no replacing Linda or her Grapevine column or her expertise in whatever she writes. Her legacy stands on its own merit.
I say job well done -- and enjoy your retirement.
This week has been about many things. I can tell you it's not about Trump as much as it's about triumph. Let's embrace the idea of returning to a new normal, better and stronger if we live and work as well as Frank, Sue and Linda have done.
Heather Ziegler can be reached at: hziegler@theintelligencer.net.