We’re sick of hearing it — that this was unexpected, that our lives turned upside down, that we should “return to a sense of normalcy soon.” 2020 was a terrible year in many ways, and we are aware of that, but with those hardships comes countless tales of resilience, compassion, victory and love.

Let’s do something not many people do. Let’s talk about the good in 2020. 

There were our wonderful, sometimes irritating, families. Though it was difficult at times, I am thankful to spend months in the house with my family, especially my 14-year-old brother who, when I complained about not spending time with friends, said, “Who are you going to hang out with? Who? Name one person.”

For the record, I do have friends. 

We listened to music and found thought-provoking, cheesy TV shows. We made charcuterie boards and played checkers and sometimes forgot about all that we were missing. 

Important social demands finally received the attention they deserved. A record seven million people protested for the Black Lives Matter movement, demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and systemic change to policing. 

158,535,216 people voted for who they wanted to lead our country. It was a hard-fought, confusing and frustrating election. But even with fewer poll workers and slower counting, we eventually did it. 

We rediscovered the drive-in. We cooked, fought, forgave, adopted puppies, talked to our neighbors, drove with nowhere to go, worked on personal health goals, learned new skills and napped, which is what some people really needed. 

Our health care workers received some long-deserved recognition. They worked grueling hours. They saved lives. We are so thankful. 

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and donated to others in need. Since the year isn’t over yet, consider helping your neighbor. The City Mission empowers people to overcome their struggle with homelessness. Their continued operation is yet another example of the powers of compassion. 

In 2020, the world has been imbued with resilience. I see it in the small things, like you and me — we who have 2020 as one of the however-many years we get. One day, we will remember this year to help our grandkids with their social studies project and then go on with the day without giving it another thought.

Like many others, I am hopeful for the new year. It feels like a reset. Like when the New Year’s Eve ball drops at midnight, we’ll all wake up from a dream, look around briefly in confusion and collectively laugh with palpable relief. As much as I would like that to happen, I know that 2020 will carry into 2021. But, just for a moment, let’s give thanks for what is good, at least, and think that next year might be different. 

“Hope 

Smiles from the threshold of the year to come, 

Whispering ‘it will be happier’…”

-Alfred, Lord Tennyson