Welcome to Number #46

I last wrote about politics after the general election, and as it happened just before the election was called for Joe Biden.  So much has happened since then!  I learned when Dad was involved in Wyoming Boro politics for a number of years that sometimes you are in the majority, other times in the minority.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.  Well unfortunately, Donald Trump could not bring himself to lose gracefully.  He never conceded the election, in fact he fought in the courts on trying to challenge what all credible sources determined was a fair election and did not facilitate transition to the new administration.  And in the end, the biggest catastrophe of all, on the day of Dad's funeral (so we didn't learn of it until later in the day) while the electoral college vote was being counted in Congress he spoke to a large, angry group of his supporters who were fully prepared for violence.  These people then rioted and stormed the capitol building. After endangering our country's legislators and Vice President Pence, doing damage and a couple deaths, we acknowledge that it was extremely bad but could have been worse.  What type of people bring the makings of a gallows and then build it in any public place, let alone in our nation's capital?  Many will face criminal charges, and President Trump was impeached in the House (second time) for inciting an insurrection.

After 4 tumultuous years, I am truly grateful and relieved that the Trump presidency is over.  Here is an email that I drafted in October 2020, but never sent:  

Dear Vice President Joe Biden

This is such an anxious time for our country.  You and your wife Dr. Biden give us hope.  Every day we put our Joe Biden flag out, every night we "bring in Joe" for safekeeping here in Luzerne County.  We look forward to election day and then your inauguration, when you'll take over as President of our wonderful and struggling country.  We can't wait for a child of Scranton, my husband's home-town, and Wilmington, a short drive from where I grew up in South Philadelphia, to bring us competence, a platform to distribute more resources to those who don't have privilege and be accountable for leadership on so many issues around the world, basic common decency and genuine concern for all Americans.  Thank you for everything you have done for our country and will continue to do as you face the challenges of your presidency.  

Tonight we contributed to your campaign.  We will always be rooting for you and Jill.

Christine Rivers & Stephen Albert

West Pittston, PA

PS.  In addition to her many qualifications, Kamala Harris has a wonderful smile - like a ray of sunshine through the clouds !

The inauguration was last Wednesday.  I'm sorry we didn't go this time, but it wasn't feasible due to COVID 19 and other circumstances including Washington D.C. being an armed camp.  I already made a date with you Rob to go to the next inauguration in four years.  I truly enjoyed watching the inauguration, and my favorite part was Lady Gaga's rendition of the national anthem.  She is beautiful, her dress and pin are fabulous and what an unbelievable performer !!  I will share more about her in a future post.  Watching the video below, you will see over her left shoulder a man who looks a lot like Uncle Jason!  Regrettably, it's not - I texted Jay about it later in the day.  LOL!

Your Dad June 13, 1960 - January 2, 2021

Alex, you were the first to get the news a week ago.  TJ called to tell you that Dad had passed.  We began to get details over the next couple days, since we have not known his whereabouts for over three years (he last stopped at Montgomery Ave. in June of 2017).  We know Dad received good care, thankfully.  There are so many emotions now, I will not try to comment on them.  

We were supported by Joe Kopcza of Metcalfe-Shaver-Kopcza Funeral Home, who helped with necessary decisions and arrangements.  Here are the friends and family who came to share their condolences with you, Aunt Pam and me this past Wednesday, January 6th:

• Keith, a former neighbor from 7th Street
• Jesse Kugler, who said told us she is a Trans-Med driver who got to know Dad when she took him to appointments
• Taylor Schechter
• Becky Stitzer
• Julie Fumanti and Jeff Polidori
• Rev. Jen Baer
• Jim and Laura Balint
• Paul Konopka
• George Krizenoskas
• Rev. Martha Jordan
• Aunt Julie
• Grammie and Grandad
• Laura Lewis Emmett

We had good weather, with just a little snow on the ground.  Our family sent lovely flower arrangements. The framed picture above was displayed for us to remember a happy day.  It's from the day of your baptism, Rob, in November 2002.  Alex, you were 5 years old.  Jesse told us that Dad continued to love you and spoke about you often.  And know that you were both meant to be here, and have important contributions to make to this world as Carroll men.  

Robert Rexford Carroll passed into eternal life on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at Timber Ridge Heath Care Center, Wilkes-Barre, following an illness.

Bob Carroll lived most of his life in Wyoming where he was involved in various community activities.

Born June 13, 1960, in Pittston, he was the son of Robert D. and Gladys Warner Carroll, who predeceased him.

Bob attended Wyoming Presbyterian Church with his family. As a youth, he was an Eagle Scout and achieved the distinction of membership in the Order of the Arrow. Bob graduated from Wyoming Area High School in 1978, and from King's College, Wilkes-Barre, in 1983. During college, he was a counselor at Camp Lackawanna, Tunkhannock, where he formed lifelong friendships. He worked for American General Life Insurance Company for the majority of his career. Bob is a past Wyoming Borough Councilman. Over the years, he was a leader of Boy Scout Troop 366 in West Wyoming, a member of the Wyoming/West Wyoming Lions Club and a Board member of the Wyoming Cemetery Association.

In earlier years, Bob enjoyed canoeing, hiking, camping and gardening. He loved vacationing in particular to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. He was extremely interested in current events, especially politics, and was an avid collector of Lionel model trains.

Bob is survived by his sons, Alexander F. Carroll and Robert B. Carroll, West Pittston; and his sister, Pamela R. Carroll, Dallas. He is also survived by an aunt, Betty Warner; and numerous cousins.

Remember Bob for his charm, intellect and sense of humor. May he rest in peace.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Metcalfe Shaver Kopcza Funeral Home Inc., 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, with the Rev. Jennifer Baer of the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Dallas officiating.

Interment will be in the Wyoming Cemetery.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Lackawanna, Tunkhannock, PA through the Presbytery of Lackawanna office or the Camp's website.

Misericordia U Graduation (COVID style)

Well Alex, it has happened!!  The long awaited and hard-won college diploma will be in your hands shortly.  You have worked so hard, and it shows since you graduated from Misericordia "magna cum laude" as indicated in the Misericordia University commencement booklet you can see below (it arrived after commencement, probably due to a USPS mail backlog that got worse as December wore on).  It is really thrilling that you've done it !!!

Graduation was on Sunday Dec. 20th at 11 am.  You weren't too interested in a traditional graduation ceremony, so this turned out to be perfect.  You told me that all you had to do was get up half an hour early, pull a gown over your pajamas and a cap on your head (that we later learned were Taylor's from her Slippery Rock graduation) and log into Zoom.  Steve did too, it was a nice surprise for us to see you in formal graduation attire, and of course your teachers' academic regalia - makes me think of Hogwarts/Harry Potter, and also remember how I enjoyed graduation pomp & circumstance especially for my Wilkes U masters degree.  The program went about an hour, and was highlighted by thoughtful and inspiring comments from your professors in particular Dr. Carso and a bit later Dr. Stevens - who are clearly and rightfully proud of the Gov't, Law and National Security program they have built up (including their ability to match students to meaningful internships in spite of COVID challenges).  Plus it was a novelty for each student to have the opportunity to talk about what the program has meant to them.  You mentioned how you had been challenged by your class work, especially in Dr. Padot's courses.  I was excited to be part of the ceremony, a bit weepy at times and am so proud of your accomplishments.  Rob joined us in Steve's office mid-way through the proceedings.  Here are some very nice pictures, most of them from Taylor - thank you Taylor!!   So now it's on to new ventures as you begin the full-time job search process.  No matter what comes next, you have a solid foundation and have developed skills (including excellent writing and presentation skills) that will be invaluable in years to come in your career and potentially in a graduate program.  Yahoo !!!!