The year 2020, while historic and unique (let’s hope that unique quality holds true), is not one many of us want to remember clearly in every aspect. There were lots of surprises and painful losses, and we humans are not usually great at processing those things quickly and well.
Yet, the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and its remediation in the United States and across the globe, as well as the racial inequality seared into the public consciousness with the recorded killing of George Floyd, the economic downturn related to the coronavirus’ effect on society and more, should be embraced and fully internalized before we can all move forward in a real way into 2021. Those lessons should not be lost.
What did we learn when we needed to face down a deadly and highly contagious disease that had never before been seen? That while there are many people who wish to deny its power over them, and would rather live their lives as they had been and make no adjustments to address the spread of the coronavirus, there are also many who take scientists’ warnings and well-informed and researched advice seriously and change their behavior as possible to keep themselves and those around them as safe as they can.
We also learned there are many courageous people all around us: medical workers who step into intense and difficult situations to try to save the lives of or simply bring back to health those who contract COVID-19; scientists and researchers who worked around the clock to discover vaccines that can help normalize society again; grocery store and other food workers who have found ways to keep their communities fed; delivery people, law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs who work with the public to try to keep systems going and people safe.
The challenge of living through the deadly pandemic of the past year has been tough on all of us. Recognize that, and when looking for something about which to feel gratitude, look first to yourself and the sacrifices you and your families have made to keep your lives and your selves as stable as possible. Thank yourself, and then thank all those around you who have made the past year navigable despite its strangeness and inherent danger.
But with the slowness of the rollout of vaccines to the general population, don’t expect things to change dramatically too quickly. That is, don’t let your guard down. We all need to continue to be vigilant and exert the greatest care when interacting with others.
Yet even with the use of extreme caution, all of us remain at risk to the highly contagious infection. Contracting it is not a sign we have failed, but rather that we are human. Be understanding of others who contract it, and of yourself if you do. Then take all measures possible to mitigate the illness and recover. Some of us do, but many do not. All those affected by COVID-19 in the past year, including those who have lost loved ones, have our thoughts and wishes for healing, however it can be accomplished. The sorrow of such loss cannot be touched by any words here, so just know our thoughts are with you all.
And thank you to all our essential workers, who have continued to work despite the risk to themselves. Without their bravery and abilities, our fragile society would arguably have fallen apart months ago.
Here’s to a better and healthier new year for all.
