If you’ve read many of my first of the year musings, you know I favor peeking into the coming year over peering back at the one that has ended. This year, though, begs a proper farewell. I don’t think I have ever been so happy to bid a year goodbye. But, believe it or not, this crummy year had some amazing highlights.
Almost before the black-eyed peas were cold, we were on the move. Our 2019 Christmas celebrations had been interrupted by illness, so when that was over, we packed the car and headed for belated present deliveries in Texas and Oklahoma. Our kids and grands were happy to see us, and without using the word premonition, it seemed we were aware that we needed to make the most of every weekend.
My favorite group of ladies struggled a little to hold our monthly supper and Bible study meetings. We had plenty of good ideas for menus and themes, but family issues caused us to go to Plan B and Plan C many times in the first three months. Somehow, though, we persisted, and when gatherings of this type were prohibited in the middle of March, we were so grateful for the precious memories.
When the world came to a screeching halt in mid-March, new innovations emerged. When someone had a simple idea and shared it on social media, every window in our neighborhood suddenly sported a stuffed teddy bear or other animal. Driveways were decorated with cheerful chalk artwork. Entrepreneurs created signs that encouraged socially distanced celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries and new babies. Encouraging each other became contagious.
Celebrities who were stuck at home used their creativity and technology to reach their fans. We got glimpses into the homes of the stars, saw them without makeup, enjoyed impromptu concerts interrupted by kids and pets. Charming, personal. Fun!
Technology grew and changed almost daily. Businesses continued to function with workers performing their duties in their pajamas, from a spare bedroom or their kitchen table. Instead of seeing each other across a board room table, small video images on a crowded screen became the norm for families, school classrooms and study groups.
These virtual events became vital on a personal level when our daughter’s cancer diagnosis jolted our whole family. The weekly check-ins were a lifeline. Though in-person hugs would have been better, smiles across the miles were good medicine for all of us.
Horrible events in other cities finally got our attention, and centuries old tensions between races boiled over. In our town, protests remained peaceful. More importantly, though, a dialogue began. With the aid of technology again, we listened from the privacy of our own homes as neighbors who have lived through daily disparities shared their hearts. With anonymity protecting us, we just let them have their say. One participant I remember distinctly said that she was very tired of people asking “Why do you always make it into a race thing?” She explained that when you are reminded at every turn that you are somehow not as important or good as other people, you can come to no other conclusion. Humbling. I realized that attempting to remain neutral in this particular discussion was not the right solution. I recognized that my own attitudes needed adjusting, and that I should go out of my way to show more love to friends and acquaintances of all varieties.
Hubby and I learned to be more creative when venturing out of our home. With fewer options for eating in restaurants, or staying in motels, we learned to pack a lunch and stay within a few hours driving time. Rural areas and small towns in Arkansas provided endless fascination. Though we still look forward to trips to tropical locations that involve flying or even cruising, this year, we found so many new spots that have been right under our noses for years. We live in a wonderful place, for sure.
Working from home made adjusting to new health issues for my husband easier. We developed new routines and enjoyed each other’s company. We began to make plans for my retirement, and towards the end of the year, the time was perfect for that big step. Sometimes, a shorter period of agonizing about a big change turns out to be the best idea.
The most important highlight of this year can be summed up easily. The most important thing in life is people. So, we wear masks to protect others from any worry of catching germs from us. Connections with others are maintained through every means possible: telephone calls, text messages, even old-fashioned methods like letters and post cards. We became prayer warriors and took friends, relatives and even strangers to the throne of God on a regular basis. Others offered the same gift to us, and we were glad to accept. We rejoiced with news of healing, and shared in the grief of families who lost loved ones. Our resolve to keep our own families as close as possible is stronger than ever.
So, after enjoying a Christmas unlike any other one we can remember, we are ready to move on. We can’t be sure what the new year holds. But after surviving this past one, we feel we are ready for anything.
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