By: Katherine Anderson
As we all know, this past year was quite the eventful one. In March, many of us were sent home because of COVID-19, not knowing what would happen next. The undeniable hard times and the many new and unfamiliar experiences grew each and every single one of us in one way or another. We trekked into this unknown territory with brave faces, knowing nothing of what lay ahead of us, We asked all the questions, saying “What does it mean?”. “What about those who have difficult living situations?”, and most frequently, “What happens next?” Now, many of us went into this strange time with hope painted across our faces and excitement about having so much time off. We looked towards the future with bright eyes, looking forward to getting back to school, work, or even something as simple as a routine. But, little did we know that this change in our lives would continue to do just that.
So we continued to find those little things that would make us smile and keep us occupied in these trying times. We looked towards each other for comfort and hope, leaning on one another through and through.We found new ways to do old things. We tried new ways to replicate that one dish from our favorite restaurant. We gave our pets all the love and attention that they deserve. We did work and school in a new way, struggling with the hundreds of things we had to learn again.
We looked to our family, friends, and communities for support and entertainment, trying new things to occupy our time. We read, we exercised, we shopped, we knit, we watched movies and television shows, and we thought about just about anything. We took walks, we played games, we painted, we drew, we tie-dyed, and we stayed home.
Big things happened. We got married, we welcomed new faces into this world, and we said goodbye. We focused on our families, our surroundings, and ourselves. We spent weeks in a row without any contact with the outside, but we did it for ourselves. We did it for others. We watched the world from afar, wishing that soon we could be out there, smiling and laughing with everyone we loved. We fought for justice, we protested, and we signed petitions. We started new conversations, bringing new topics to the table that we never thought we would.
But most of all, we did it together. We did it for each other, and would do it again if we had to. Through these strange times, these good times and bad times, we thought of each other. The people we loved surrounded us with joy, even through the hard times, and kept our minds occupied for all those months. It was so long, but blew by in a flash. Each day slugged by, but yet we looked at each other and asked ‘Is it really June already?’ And in the end, we looked backed on it all, and were truly grateful for those around us, and for what these times have taught us.
“But most of all, we did it together. We did it for each other, and would do it again if we had to.”