I came across this clip on Instagram:
I watched it repeatedly. I cried as I did. I defy you not to shed tears when you watch it.
As Much As I’d Love To Forget…
Forgetting this year would be too easy. And extremely dangerous.
To forget this year would dishonor the memory of the over 343,000 Americans who have lost their lives to Covid-19.
If we forget, we brush aside those who have survived but suffered through this pandemic.
Forgetting would trample on the memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many, many more who were killed by police brutality this year.
We cannot forget the lessons and the reckonings of 2020.
If we do, what will happen the next time a global pandemic strikes? Will we be just as unprepared as we were in March of 2020? The idea of that terrifies me.
We Also Shouldn’t Forget the Joy
Amid the bleakness, the anxiety and the isolation, there have also been moments of joy.
These are usually small and very personal. Collective joy has been noticeably scarce.
Personal moments of joy for us this year have included:
- The Bug learning to read and becoming an independent reader.
- The Bear learning to ride his bike and taking joy in riding with us.
- The Chico’s slow progress in his immigration status (though admittedly this has also sometimes been a source of frustration).
- My rediscovering the piano and taking the time to practice.
What Joy has 2020 Brought You?
It doesn’t matter how short the list is. Try and make one. It just might help you feel a little better about this past year.
Happy New Year. I hope 2021 brings us all peace, joy and collective healing.
