2020 in a Letter

 I said in March when I was picking up Baylor on his last day of in person school in fifth grade that it felt like we were in a movie. And nine months later, the cameras are still rolling! 

I was sent home to work from there the same day Baylor was released from school, March 13th. But before that, the year started out with Gloria’s mom living with us again, but this time because she broke bones in both feet the weekend before Christmas and could not be home alone to recover.  Gloria’s dad was moved to a rehab up closer to where they lived, but her mom was down here with us until March 11^th. Her dad came home March 17^th but sadly passed away May 1^st due to declining health issues. He was the local plumber and knew everyone, but due to the pandemic we were only allowed 10 people at the funeral.  Gloria’s mom has an amazing support network and is doing well staying at her home.  We see her as often as we can. 

We did go to the beach for a short vacation in June and ended up cancelling our usual camping trip with my parents because in February my dad started his 2020 journey of replacing both replacement knees twice!!!  He spent a lot of this year recovering from one surgery and preparing for the next one.  Thankfully, he was able to get them all done, the infections cleared up, and stayed away from catching covid-19 as he went in and out of hospitals and rehabs. 

I cannot believe I am going to say this, but I am thankful Baylor had his Xbox this year.  It was the main way he was able to talk to and interact with his friends since March.  The last months of school last year was a big change for everyone and understandably, schools were not prepared for teaching and learning from home.  This year, his first year of middle school, started out all virtually and in October, he moved to two days in person hybrid learning.  While it is still difficult to juggle everything, he is doing well.  We do not have an office in the house so we both share the dining table to work and learn from.  Gloria is looking at positions where she can also work from home so it will be a fun time at the table with all of us working together!!!  2020 was good for family time! The pets have really enjoyed us being home all the time and I wonder what they think on the rare occasion when they are left alone.

I am glad we will soon have 2020 behind us.  I don’t think any of us will forget it! Merry Everything, Happy Always and here’s to 2021!!