THE UNKNOWN

I refuse to use “unprecedented” as my word for “U” in this journey through the alphabet! It has been more than overused and likely will end up on the list of words we don’t want to hear anymore as we move into 2021—along with pandemic, quarantine, and . . . well, you get the idea.  In years past, I used to embrace change (a.k.a. the unknown) and prided myself on being one of the few people I knew who welcomed new environments, new jobs, cities, and relocations around the U.S., often actively seeking them out.  Then I moved home to Indiana and decided that I was done with all that.  Instead, a second career fell into my lap and with it, more of the unknown that I have embraced along with many wonderful new friends and colleagues. I just didn’t have to move around the country for it.

Then along comes 2020 and its challenges that we never could have imagined. I thought 2019 was bad enough. In the middle of radiation treatment for cancer, my parents decided to move out of their home and go to assisted living. That put me in charge of selling and the final clearing out as well as getting them settled while I recovered from my treatments. All of this was the unknown for 2019, and all good outcomes once we got through it—just in time for the chaos of 2020 to ensue!

We have all had challenges both large and small. Some have lost loved ones or had health issues, including COVID-19 and other matters to deal with, both for ourselves and others. My doctor told me that I was too high risk (having turned 65 this year and being a recent cancer patient) to enjoy holiday gatherings with my family. So I did drive-by visits and enjoyed waves, shouts and gift exchanges out of the back of my SUV.

Driveway visits have become somewhat common for family birthdays as well when the weather doesn’t cooperate for outdoor gatherings. In fact, my summer birthday ended up as an unexpected garage gathering with the door up when the rain started just as the family was arriving. The little boys thought it was great fun. Truth be told, so did I. I was just turning 65 that day, so maybe wasn’t quite so high risk yet!

Now that 2021 is less than 36 hours away, let’s not jinx ourselves by predicting when things will be back to “normal” or “the new normal,” another phrase I would like to retire. Rather, let’s think about the blessings of 2020 that were unexpected and those that 2021 might bring. That way we can look forward with optimism and joy as we open a new page.

IN CLOSING

Thanks for reading.  Looking forward to your comments and connections, both virtual and in person in the not too distant future.    Until next time . . . . stay safe and healthy and remember, this too shall pass. Next up—“V for VACCINE” of course!