2020

I’ve been reading a variety of Facebook posts about 2020, the struggles, the challenges, the emotion of putting the year behind us.

I know I am bucking the trend but I liked 2020! It provided me with so many ways to grow. I know I am an anomaly but with my coworkers, we laughed, we planned, we brainstormed, we struggled and then we laughed some more.

To be honest I don’t really remember events of the beginning of the year. It was all so typical, so routine. I had my trip in March to Ireland to be with Liz when she received her White Coat for Vet School. Other than that is was the same as the last few years.

The trip to Ireland was amazing. I loved having time away from home. It was my first vacation in two years and my first international trip. The timing was perfect as I came home the day after the announcement of the shutdown happened.

Immediately after the shutdown was announced Father T started to plan and brainstorm how we were to keep our parishioners close when we were closed. I thought this was going to a short two week closure and had no idea what we were at the beginning of.

So in 2020 I have learned so much about technology. I have learned way more about social media. I learned building a prayer garden is so much more incredible work than we expected. Yet, the work was exhausting and tiring but such a great team effort. It is amazing to see a community come together in support of you.

I have discovered breathing through a mask is possible. I also learned with glasses it is easier to breath through and see in a mask on a 90 degree summer day than a 20 degree winter day.

I have discovered not to take anything for granted. Whether it’s as simple as toilet paper or Clorox wipes, but also the ability to go to the store and feel safe or to welcome my kids home without fearing the virus. I have learned not to take for granted Mass and the joy of a full church. I have learned the power of hugs and the loss when they aren’t readily available.

I have learned more and more, the stuff doesn’t matter but the people. The people who surround you are so important. Due to the pandemic, I haven’t had the long nights and one of my jobs I work from home. For me this comes as Joe gets worse and I can be here with him more. As he gets worse I can support him and calm him.

I am so grateful for my mom who comes four days a week to be with Joe. She has been so careful during the pandemic to not get sick, and I just can’t express how her help matters to me. I love my coworkers. We don’t just plot and plan for work, but we also support each other. I can go in and tell them what a horrible day I had and they listen. But the best part is how much we laugh. It is often and frequent. I think it’s what keeps us all sane.

I never thought in my life there would be a pandemic. I thought it was the things you read and learn about but not a true reality. 2020 has taught me a lot of things and brought new challenges and new struggles. However, I am so grateful for the people who walked through it with me and I am thankful for the lessons I have learned.

And now to 2021. May we start to return to a new normal. I miss my church kids and I miss our trips and activities. I will never take them for granted again.