And What A Year It Was

Every year I get to help prepare the year in review, reading the 51 newspapers of the year and reliving some of the highs and, especially this year, the lows. Images pop into mind of the stories we covered, the situations that surrounded them and the challenges and joys that we met.

Without a doubt, COVID-19 made it into almost every newspaper we produced since March 19. We reported the number of cases that steadily increased, shared the personal stories of those families who lost loved ones and encouraged the community to support local hospital personnel. These stories have not ended; nearly every day we hear the new numbers, learn about losses suffered, talk to personnel grappling with overwhelming fatigue. While it is a privilege to share these stories, it also comes with a price: we too are saddened by them and feel overwhelmed with the enormity of what the country – the world – is facing. Will we ever be “normal” again? What will that look like?

And while we deal with the challenges presented by all things COVID, we have also witnessed creativity by those who still want to see family, friends and co-workers. A year ago, few knew what Zoom was; today it is a staple in many businesses and families eager to stay in touch. I saw a skit on Saturday Night Live this past weekend in which a psychic was meeting with a group at the end of 2019. She predicted the fights between friends because (gasp!) one decided to eat inside a restaurant! I didn’t see much else of the skit but after going through our many news stories I could apply that same philosophy to so many other businesses: What do you mean you went to a beauty shop? Had your nails done? Didn’t wear a facemask in public? Ideas that a year ago would be foreign now raise a (bushy) eyebrow.

Let’s talk about some of these edicts, too. After being told by our beloved leaders that we were not able to do these things (and more) they instead pooh-poohed their own notions and did pretty much what they wanted, thumbing their noses at us peons. Th≠ink Nancy Pelosi getting her hair done at a closed salon or Gov. Gavin Newsom enjoying an indoor meal at the very fancy French Laundry. And don’t forget the restaurant owner who was in tears because of the dining ban that prohibited her from having indoor or outdoor in-person diners while across the parking lot from her was a catering service for a film crew. No wonder we’re all fatigued and frustrated.

Not even a sky-high increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths would spur us into following restrictive lockdown protocols. So here we are now with few ICU beds available and more patients in need of these services.

Though I wish I could offer words of comfort I have none. I do, though, have the memories of the many people and businesses in our community who recognized that the local newspaper needed help and pulled out their checkbooks to lend a hand. Help it did.

So, I will continue wearing a mask and wiping down surfaces in an effort to slow the spread as I – with you – wade into 2021.