2020 was hard...everyone knows that. But there were lessons learned and growth happened. Things fell by the wayside this year and other things became important. There were many things that were missed, they can't be replaced. For many people, priorities shifted. This was all true in my household.
Jim and I learned that we can do things that we never thought possible. I am not a nurse. I don't want to be a nurse, although I think Jim would be a good one. We became caretakers in a major way for his parents for several months. It wasn't easy, but I am glad that we did what we did for them. Their care became pretty intense until we finally weren't able to continue. Putting them into long term care was hard, but we can honestly say that we did all that we could to keep them home for as long as we were able.
I have become more appreciative of the quietness. I have always craved quiet time, but didn't realize how little I was getting until recently. When there is a family of 5 in the house, including two that are basically housebound, you don't get to be alone often. It's been nice to be alone.
I have missed the physical act of going to church. I miss teaching Sunday school. We still attend church virtually, but it's different. I am happy that we have the technology, but I look forward to the day when we can worship physically together. D misses youth group and Sunday School. There have been so many people who have worked to keep the youth connected, but it's not the same. Technology doesn't replace being face to face with people.
Technology is a wonderful thing. D has teachers that have worked so hard to connect with her. Virtual learning is not perfect...there is still a long way to go, but in our case, it has been successful. D has been able to use Google meets, Zoom game nights, and video calls to keep in touch. Marco Polo has continued to let me see the faces and hear the voices of my friends.
I have enjoyed hiking with my family. We spent time out in the woods, just the three of us. I have come to realize that summer is my least favorite time to hike. Yes, it's pretty and green, but it's also hot. I don't like to sweat. Winter, spring, and fall hiking is my thing! We spent time at several state parks and forests this year. I am already looking and planning hikes for the next year.
I spent time reading this year. I didn't spend time on other hobbies. That's okay. I read some things that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I put down books that I didn't like...time is to short to read a book that isn't holding my interest. I have books on my list to read for next year already. There are so many books and just not enough time.
I spent time organizing and cleaning. I have hoarding tendencies...don't most of us? I gave up things that are just taking up space. I have more to do, but I know that I can do it! Everyone in my house has spent time time cleaning and purging this year. It felt good and as we continue, it will feel even better. My goal is to keep the things that make me happy and give the rest to someone else.
I missed vacations this year, but it was the right thing to do. Instead we took a few little trips to places that we felt safe. We stayed outside more and I haven't missed going to stores...much. There are days that I want to go out and shop, but it wasn't necessary, so I didn't. Or I shopped online. I am not saying that we avoided going to stores, but we have been very selective about where and when we go.
A dear friend says often that the days are long, but the years are short. There were days that felt like they would never end, but in reality, this year has flown past. 2020 kicked my butt in so many ways, but I am still here and looking forward to what the future holds for me.
