Grateful for 2020
Grateful for 2020
So, yeah, 2020 happened. And happened. And kept right on happening. Then happened some more after that.
When I read the news that Kilauea was erupting on December 21, I honestly had to laugh, especially since Mt. Etna was erupting at the same time. How could 2020 possibly end without some volcanic activity to follow a record hurricane season, catastrophic fires and oh yeah, that pesky pandemic thing.
I’d started the year so well planned and organized. The blog was set up on a pretty spreadsheet. I knew what my writing projects would be and even has something of a schedule. What joy was mine. (Seriously, I love organizing.)
Needless to say all of those well-laid plans flew straight out the window as the world suddenly went sidesways and kept right on going.
It is very temping to rehash all the sad, difficult and unpleasant things that have happened. It feels like there were so many of them. But perhaps that is exactly why it would be better not to spend any more item dwelling on those events.
Despite having far more than its fair share of griefs, some good, even very good things happened in 2020 that I do want to remember and rejoice in. I confess, I hesitate lest it seem insensitive to all the losses so many have suffered. Still though, in the face of loss, misfortune, and even death, I need to remind myself to be grateful for the good and not to allow the negative to let me fail in gratitude.
Gratitudes for 2020
My granddaughter was born.
My youngest grandson celebrated his first birthday.
My youngest son graduated university and started graduate school.
My middle son moved back to our home city.
My husband found a new job after a layoff and is able to work remotely.
We all work remotely, so have been able to form a family support bubble.
We adopted a very sweet, very derpy rescue dog who helped middle son find a much-desired kitten to adopt.
Though publishing plans went out the window, I still managed to release three books.
Like many, if not most of us, I am looking forward to the promise of 2021, but no matter how it goes, I want it to be a year of gratitude.
2020 was awful and Awesome. I quit my dayjob & now get to spend so much time with my family. I narrated 3 of your books (YAY) and about 20 others. Reminded myself again and again what is truly important. Celebrated my 20th anniversary with the most wonderful soulmate I could ever ask for. Saw my kids continue to blossom as they grow into amazing people. Thanks for your partnership & friendship this last year!
We live in France. For many months we were confined to our houses or flats. But we could walk every day for one hour, and guess what, everyone started talking to everyone and we met lovely neighbors, fellow walkers, dogs, we cleaned the house and garden, we found things we had forgotten, some nice, some not so nice, ….
We now have a much emptier house, more space and a beautiful garden. Isn’t that something to be very grateful for? And most important we are still in good health!
I’m grateful that I and my family managed to survive! My daughter and her family were on evacuation alert during the fires in Sydney at the start of the year but were some of the lucky ones as they and their home were untouched.
My 91 year old mother survived the virus with just a bit of a cough and a sore throat, luckily her care home staff are excellent and she was well looked after. She’s 92 this month and hopefully we’ll be able to give her a hug sometime this year!
My twin grandsons started school in September after just turning 4 at the end of August! They are doing so well considering they were ten weeks premature and had a few problems!
I’ve spent nine months in almost total isolation apart from essential shopping, delivering things to Mum and one visit with my son’s family in the summer. Luckily I’m happy with my own company and my books and kindle!
So! I am grateful but am also looking forward to things getting back to something like normal then maybe 2022 will bring a visit from Australia (my grandsons there are aged 7 & 5, last seen 2018) Skype is just not the same when you’re desperate for a hug ?
Happy New Year to you and yours!
I am so grateful my husband is in remission. I am so happy he is finally home after a stint in the hospital, step-down, and then rehab. We are able to hunker down at home and stay out of the fray. We are blessed. I am grateful to all my JAFF authors [that’s you] for all their hard work and the pleasure they gave me even during a pandemic. Blessings, stay safe, and healthy during 2021.
As we quarantine I miss seeing my children and grandchildren. I am hoping with a vaccine that will change. Be safe, my friends.