This past year, 2020, was a tough one. Most of us were more than ready to bid farewell to the year that challenged us in so many ways. The year of nasty politics, covid-19, loss, financial stress, racism, and many unprecedented natural events tested our faith, compassion, tolerance, strength, resilience, and consideration for others.
The year that separated us from those we love also took away the livelihoods of too many, cancelled our travel plans, stole our normalcy, halted any special events and gatherings, and most tragically, took the lives of more than 300,000 Americans. Combined with 3 weeks into January 2021, we're sadly already over 400,000 deaths.
But there were bright spots, too, for some of us. I accompanied my sister to Antarctica, fulfilling a long-time dream she had of seeing penguins in their natural habitat. Something I never thought I wanted to do ended up being the trip of a lifetime, giving me memories to last as long as my mind is intact. My son and his wife gave me a grandson, Brody, who is the new love of my life. And my girls both got engaged to young men who have proven how much they love my daughters and how well they fit into our family. As my mom once told me about Jeff, I love my children's significant others as if they were my own.
Although we couldn't celebrate the outgoing 2020 and welcome in 2021 with our friends and family as we normally would have, we were all excited for a fresh start. No more memes comparing 2020 to our worst nightmares, the worst imaginable food, or a pile of garbage. The New Year, we had hoped, would show promise for better times. There was no guarantee, but the hope was there, and it was strong.
Now we're into the third week of 2021 and the memes are reminding us it didn't start as we so desperately wanted. One of the most popular memes says our trial period for 2021 is up and we want our money back. It has begun worse than last year ended, with Covid numbers up higher than ever. Politics took a turn so vile with a president-inspired violent attack on the US Capitol resulting in five deaths that it's hard to believe this is America. Washington D.C., usually abuzz with excitement in anticipation of an inauguration is looking more like a fortress with miles of barricades topped with barbed wire blocking access to a vast area surrounding the Capitol. Nearly 25,000 armed soldiers replace the tourists and DC residents usually mulling around to enjoy the historic event. State Capitols around the country are also bracing for possible attacks.
I have a lot of friends, and even some family, who will disagree wholeheartedly with my optimism for the future under the new administration. But being guided by positivity, compassion, decency, kindness and experience, I think the division that has dominated our country the last 4 years will eventually subside. I pray to God we will once again find common ground to help heal America, both physically from the virus, and emotionally, as we remember we all want the same thing in the end -- peace, happiness, prosperity, understanding, love, and unity. This begins with us. Let's remember a difference of opinions is what makes us unique. Let's put aside the hatred. Let's stop the negativity on social media and use it for its purpose -- to keep in touch, share information and inform. Let's become the nation our constitution intended us to be -- One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
