As I sat to write the last blog of the year I thought about everything that has happened in the past 12 months and although it was tempting I couldn’t just surpass it like nothing happened. Up front 2020 was not all bad. Yes the world suffered numerous loss, we had social unrest and uncertainty […]
As I sat to write the last blog of the year I thought about everything that has happened in the past 12 months and although it was tempting I couldn’t just surpass it like nothing happened. Up front 2020 was not all bad. Yes the world suffered numerous loss, we had social unrest and uncertainty at every turn but in the quiet, quarantined moments many good things happened as well. If you will indulge me for just a moment I will share what my 2020 was all about and five lessons I learned
This year I was able to spend more time with my husband and baby, especially when we were all under the “stay at home” order. I was also able to see different family members during the early months of the pandemic as they moved across the country. My brother still had to travel for work and I believe I saw him more times this year than I have since we were children living under the same roof! Both my mother and mother-in-love came to visit and everyone knows everything is better when Mama and Grandma are around. I most certainly cherished these precious family moments.
As life was transitioning so were we. At the beginning of the year we both had a shift in our careers and we moved from one state to another. Moving was not foreign to us but this was huge for us because we relocated to our homestead. We had a place to call home. We immediately connected with an amazing church family, leaders we were already connected to and a wonderful Christian daycare for our daughter.
As we moved from one state to the next we also purchased a home and a car. COVID had a huge impact on the economy and while the getting was still good there were deals up for grabs. Like many who were able to do so we took advantage of those opportunities. I personally know many friends and family members that purchased homes this year and I know they are indeed happy.
After 20 years of military service I was able to retire. Granted my ceremony may have had some hoops to jump through but it happened, my family was present, many more attended virtually and it was wonderful. The celebration was probably the best part. 4th of July weekend in a private mansion, my husband made sure I had fireworks. It was by far the best personal firework show I’ve ever had! And if enough sparks didn’t fly we found out our family would be growing, now that’s a reason to celebrate.
Like many families we had to “shelter in place” not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well. Being in our new city we’ve been fortunate to have friends who are like family near by, I mean friends we’ve had for over 15 plus years. Having a supportive, tight knit circle was our saving grace. We could depend on one another. And as December came around I faced an incredulous challenge. I contracted the coronavirus. Here I was pregnant and sick with this awful, fearful, silent virus. Thankfully, my symptoms were mild, I never had a fever and my family did not get it. Yes, I was a little nervous but my faith outweighed my fears and I beat COVID.
I could definitely write more but I think you get the point. I had a lot to be thankful for this year and I know if you take the time to reflect you do too. For many 2020 was the best year for their relationships, family, businesses, etc. It presented its challenges but we found innovative and creative ways to figure it out. This was the year of the side hustle and visual meetings of every kind. Yes, our lives will forever be changed by this year and this generation will have a story to tell about what life was like in the year 2020 but overall we made it.
