COVID On My Mind

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

~Warren Buffet

In the light of COVID, surrounded by despair and crisis, that is all I can think about is death. What is it going to take for those doubting this pandemic to see the light? 2020 will forever go down in history as the pandemic that challenged all of us to be better, and for those non-believers. We must pray!

It is surreal seeing people in the media being defiant, and downright belligerent. It is sad! Don’t they realize if not for themselves, but for a loved one. It is crucial not to drag this virus into their home and infect someone they love, maybe this is what they need to make the picture come into focus.

I recently lost a close friend to COVID, and my brother tested positive, and thank God he is among those that survived. I also was exposed I got tested and by the grace of God I was negative. My mother who is 89 years of age lives with me, so it is crucial that I stay safe for her sake.

The numbers continue to climb, and they have named the state of Florida an epicenter. I don’t know how this will play out all I know I will continue to do my due diligence to practice safety by wearing my mask and practice social distancing.

Be Safe!

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A View of Good-Bye

My dearest friend,

Your wake was yesterday, and your daughter did a Facebook live. It was a view of good-bye. The funeral hall had soft lighting, a closed white casket with a beautiful arrangement of roses that draped over, and the photos were placed on poster board displayed around the room full of so many memories from a happier time. You would be proud of Cella, she is an amazing young lady. You did well my friend in raising her.

You were a woman full of life and lived each day to the fullest so connected to family and friends. Your heart was huge!

Your friendship taught me so many things, one to speak up and stand up for what you believe in, no matter what comes your way.

When you became a mom, that was such an emotional time, especially when you asked us to be godparents to your baby. It was such an honor!

I am forever grateful that we were friends, and I will never forget you. Rest in peace!

To My friends and Family of Facebook

 

There is a negative ad about my husband, and it is circulating Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It is disheartening when your 13-year-old granddaughter contacts you to question why a bad picture of her grandfather is on her Instagram newsfeed.  She told her mom that she felt uncomfortable and confused!  She is a kid, and it is about her grandfather who she loves very much!

The ad brings up a dark time in our family life. John Cortes’s mugshot is on display in a video slide show making claims of having a history of violence, hitting me and punching our daughter. My husband has never laid his hands on me, and he paid for what happened to our daughter. We, as a family has healed, and we are much stronger for it.

John Cortes for those who do not know him? He is a good man, hardworking and there is nothing that he will not do for you. As your legislator, he has lived up to his commitment to being, “local, vocal and approachable!” He is an  Osceola County resident, and he will continue regardless of countless attempts by his opponents to discredit, malign him as an individual, candidate, and public official.  

John Cortes is running for re-election in the Florida House of Representatives, District 43. He has run a clean campaign, but, unfortunately, his opponents chose the latter.

I am disgusted, appalled that the candidates would go as low as dirt to gain votes and hide behind a PAC, which is cowardice! They took a dark season from our life and embellished it, spun it for their political gain, which its horrible and inexcusable!

Thank you,

Caridad Cortes

 

 

Do You Know Your Facebook Etiquette?

I have come to the realization that many participants of Facebook do not practice proper etiquette? Comments were ranging from the pleasant to the downright nasty! A person’s comments have evolved from combative, argumentative, insulting, aggressive, belligerent, and the list is endless. The culprits can be family or wonderful friends or colleagues from work. We must be mindful of the other person; it will save you from awkward moments. I came across some rules that may be helpful to you all.

1. Think before you post. 

This one is the biggest offender, having an opinion is okay, but think before you write. I have seen instances, where emotion guides the person and not rational. It will save you grief in the long run.

2. Protect your online reputation.

If you are taking photos that you would not show your momma, then you wouldn’t want to display them on social media. Nowadays even your boss or a company representative may go exploring for your name and find photos, videos or comments that may not be in your favor.

3. Respect other people.

Think before you tag or comment; it may make that person uncomfortable. Best practice is to send the person a private message. Gossiping about a friend on your Facebook wall is a no-no!

4.Unfriend with caution.

I have been on the receiving end of being unfriended; it does not feel great. Trust me the person will eventually find out that you unfriended them.

5.Socialize when sober.

Have a leveled head when on social media and if you are a bit inebriated then it would not be wise to write a comment that you will later regret.

 6. Cover your tracks.

The worst thing is to be lied to and finding out on social media. The person made up an excuse for not accepting your invitation, and you see the proof of photos of the occasion. So keep it real!

7. Status change with certainty.

How many times have you seen a friends status changed? They are in a relationship, not in a relationship or no longer married. Make sure you are confident before posting a change in your life status.

8. Save the bad stuff.

Hearing about someone dying or getting married or engaged from family should not be announced on social media. Give them a call or send a private message. They will greatly appreciate it.

9. Keep it confidential. Never put messages on someone’s wall, especially if it is something that you would not want anyone else to read.

10. Know your friends well.

Sometimes you may get a friend request and have met the person through a friend, and you don’t know them well.  Don’t accept a friend request from strangers, and it would be too bizarre. Food for thought!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jo-bryant/10-facebook-etiquette-rul_b_9425740.html