Never Have I Ever…

The end of 2021 is finally here… thank you, dear Lord. Never have I ever wanted to see the back-end of a year as much as I have this one.

Granted, 2020 was not a good year either, courtesy of a global pandemic. But, like most people, I did my best to weather the storm by masking, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings…not that there were many of those to be had, sadly.

Like many others, I made a conscious decision to protect family and friends by masking up or just staying away. We didn’t like it, but it was the right thing to do.

Yes, 2020 had many negatives such as virtual instead of face-to-face learning for youngsters, too many Zoom meetings for adults, and missed opportunities for young and old alike, but the pandemic made me appreciate the simple things in life. I bonded with my children during family movie nights and trivial pursuit smackdowns. My kids, who are very different people from one another, did get on each other’s last nerves during the lockdown, but they also grew closer and gained a new appreciation for one another. Now, they enjoy spending time with each other… not all the time, mind you, but beggars can’t be choosers, right?

When 2021 began, we all hoped for a new beginning, a break from the trials of the previous year. Instead, we got 2020, Part Deux. We thought that we were entering the COVID-free zone, but that dang virus, determined to stick around, mutated again and again.

Many people who were so over mandates thumbed their noses at masking, and too many who should have gotten vaccinated did not, some for legitimate reasons, others for ridiculous political reasons. Consequently, the number of infected increased.

Those of us who were taking the proper precautions became frustrated over the apathy of others, as we stood masked and socially distanced from the myriad of unmasked in stores and other public places.

Just like the previous year, friends and family were getting sick, and some were dying. Although COVID was not always to blame, it was always the first question we asked regarding the cause of death.

Such was the case on 11 February 2021, when both my stepfather and my maternal uncle died. One died from cirrhosis, while the other suffered a heart attack. These simultaneous deaths struck a blow to our family, especially my mother.

We grieved their passings and tried to move on, but COVID had other plans. On 16 December 2021, that damned virus took my dear dad. Within one year, my children had lost three of our family’s patriarchs. My heart wept for them and for myself.

The holidays arrived, but I felt numb to the festivities. It seems that COVID stole Christmas too…

Is it any wonder why I am so over this year? Never have I ever disliked a year so much. So, goodbye and good riddance, 2021. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out… (And please, please, please dear Lord, may 2022 be a much better year for us all.)