On New Year’s Eve 2019, it was a time to usher in not just a new year, but a new decade. The year 2020 always had a futuristic resonance with it. This was supposed to be the year of flying cars, world peace, and advances in science. Little did we know that 2020 would bring an onslaught that would challenge every aspect of our lives. From a global pandemic, civil unrest, and political turmoil, 2020 changed everything. However, the human spirit can achieve great things, and last year has brought a glimmer of hope for humanity in the face of loss.
Many things have been written about the global pandemic and how it has wreaked havoc on the world. That is true. It has changed everything from family gatherings, shopping for groceries, and even sports. Every aspect of our normal lives was changed drastically. It is fair to say that many of us have felt not just the economic loss, but also the loss of loved ones. People we would normally freely embrace are now met with hesitation and distance, especially our elders. I have personally shared special moments such as birthdays, parties, and festivals with people who are no longer here. This feeling of loss has really helped many of us reassess our values and what we hold dear.
The pandemic wasn’t the only global issue affecting everyone. People all over the world saw George Floyd lose his life to officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This was a man people did not know, but seeing someone lose their life resonated in their hearts and created a deep
sense of empathy. People organized protests all over the globe for justice that opened old wounds in our country. At the time of this writing, Office Chauvin was found guilty on all counts for Floyd’s death. This is a step in the right direction as far as justice for those who have succumbed to police brutality. This led to a greater call for empathy.
The repercussions of 2020 caused many people to look outside of themselves and care for their neighbors. Whether that is by social distancing, wearing a mask, helping neighbors with food, calling old friends and family for video chat, or even helping with vaccinations. There was a heightened sense of community and to care for those who could not care for themselves. When humanity is pushed towards the brink, we can ultimately band together to help each other out.
The effects of last year have changed all of us. There were peaceful protests and riots that caused damage to many neighborhoods, businesses, and cost people their lives. Society is not perfect, and it showed how quickly things can drastically change. However, the aftermath is that even though we have been practicing social distancing, this leads to a renewed sense to care for our neighbors, even if they don’t live near us. We can take last year as a way to care for others not only during a crisis, but how to move forward once we rebuild, heal, and grow.
