2020
2020 - where do I begin? You came in full force and ensured that the next decade would be very different than the last. This year has been unbelievably difficult for everyone, it has been a year of isolation, of testing our limits, of sickness and sadness. It has pushed us to the edge countless times and made us question our actions and those of others. One thing is for sure, 2020 will not be forgotten. I can’t say that I’m upset about 2020 being over, but I can’t say it was entirely bad either.
As we enter a new year, I’m appreciating the positive:
In March, Rob started working from home. We were able to spend genuine time together, rather than see each other for a few seconds as I left for work and he returned home. We no longer had to worry about sending Finn to daycare, instead he found his favorite spot under Dad’s desk in our make-shift office. We had more time for family walks, more time to sit together and plan our wedding, more time to appreciate each other.
My family and friends gained a new appreciation for phone calls and zoom meetings. We learned how to be together even when we couldn’t. I felt loved immensely by the friends and family who insisted on giving me everything a bride should have. From throwing a zoom bridal shower to making masks out of the bottom of their bridesmaids dresses - they continually showed up and for that I am thankful.
Rob and I got married! Planning a wedding is difficult, planning a wedding during a pandemic is near impossible. Every time we thought we had everything done another curve ball was thrown our way. Nothing was ever for certain. Compromises had to be made and many family members and friends were unable to attend. It was difficult, however it forced us to remember that the most important part of our wedding wasn't the embellishments or the food, it was that we were getting married and promising our lives to each other.
We spent more time outside. We found new hiking trails and learned how to grill. Our cooking skills improved.Â
I became a certified sexual assault nurse and a charge nurse in the emergency department. I have to say, being in control of the entire emergency department during a pandemic was not on the top of my bucket list, but it has helped me grow immensely. Working in healthcare in 2020 was nothing short of exhausting. It was a constant test of our patience, our skills, and our resiliency. There were so many moments that broke my heart - having to tell families that only one person could come in to say goodbye to their dying loved one, doing compressions on someone to young to die, witnessing the increase in depression and suicide attempts. Many days I left work joking with my coworkers ``I'm done. I’m not coming back for more tomorrow.” And even though I was only half joking at the time, I showed up again and again. We all did. To all my coworkers and friends who are on the front lines of this pandemic, thank you. Thank you for giving it your all even when you had nothing left.
As we enter 2021 I have a new appreciation for the little things in life - going out to lunch with a friend, seeing people smile (without a mask), being able to spend holidays with my family. As vaccines begin to roll out I can only hope that this is the beginning of the end. That before we know it the words “quarantine” and “pandemic” will only be used when talking about the past. So as the new year slides in I hope it will be as powerful as 2020, but hopefully a little more kind.
Rather than set large goals, I hope and pray that this year returns joy, hope, and health to our world. I hope:
To spend holidays with my family. To exchange gifts in person and hug without fear.
For the health of my family and yours.
To travel more. To see the world and to visit friends.
To read and write more and to worry less.Â
To maintain a healthy work/life balance and to remember that you cannot give from an empty cup.
I have a quote burned into my memory from a church service I listened to this year: “While you are waiting, God is working.” We have done a lot of waiting this year. Waiting for more details, waiting to see friends and family, waiting to celebrate special events, waiting to go back to work, waiting for a vaccine, waiting for this pandemic to be over. I know I am not the only one that questioned my faith while I sit in the longest waiting room I’ve ever been in. How could I ever see this year as a positive? So many people have died, so many families split apart, so much isolation. Then I heard this quote and it opened up a new perspective. I may never know what God is working on behind the scenes, but I trust that all of this waiting is worth it.

















