Some things to remember in a year to forget
Here we are, at the end of a year where social distancing and masks became part of the landscape, more than a quarter million Americans died in a pandemic, and our so-called leaders indulged in petulant tantrums, like toddlers refusing to accept bedtime. We’re sick and tired, and we’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, so I want to look for that silver lining, find the gold in the dross, and present a good old year-end list of some positive things.
Reading: My regular book group fell victim to social distancing, but I found solace, as many others did, in some of the many great books this year. I put Quan Barry’s “We Ride upon Sticks” high on my list of must-reads. It’s a funny and bighearted story of the 1989 Danvers High School field hockey team’s assault on the state championships with a little help from some darker power. If you like your sports stories mixed with a little witchcraft, this is your book.
Exercise: Although the pandemic has caused economic pain to small businesses we still cannot fully measure, many bicycle shops around the country sold out their annual inventory before the summer was over. Cycling offers a way to get outside and burn off Zoom fatigue while still staying at least 6 feet apart. On my rides I saw many other cyclists, but I was also impressed by how many walkers and runners were out.
Hiking: This may be cheating a bit, since it’s continuing the theme from the previous point, but it’s my list and I can do what I want. I’ve hiked literally thousands of miles in the parks around Bethel since I moved here 15 years ago, especially at Huntington, and the tree-filled jaunts have always been a major source of solace. This year many others have found this as well, and parking lots at hiking spots overflowed on summer weekends. With the crowds came some problems — trash indiscriminately left at trailheads, for one — but getting more people out and appreciating nature is a net positive.
Screens: Like many others, I was captivated by Anya TaylorJoy’s performance in “The Queen’s Gambit.” It is the perfect pandemic show, combining a safe and diverting indoor pastime with some beautiful escapist imagery.
Coincidentally, I bought my son a chess set last Christmas, and we have been practicing frequently. It is good for a child to learn how to play and lose graciously, but then my little brat beat me when I wasn’t paying close enough attention to his rook.
Medicine: Aside from a wasp sting that required a trip to the ER, I’ve been healthy this year. In addition to that, I have been tested twice for COVID, and I was amazed as I always am at the calm efficiency of our medical workers. That they are not all curled up on the floor is a testament to their strength and resilience.
Civic Duty: This year I signed on to help out with our elections. I was not alone; for the first time, many towns had more volunteers than they needed. This upwelling of civic-mindedness extended to the elections, with record turnouts.
Schools: I can’t end a list of the good without mentioning our schools. The principal and teachers at my son’s school are stars. They found ways to make education work despite the challenges. We cannot forget their dedication when things return to what we call “normal.”
That’s some of the good I have found in our annus horribilis. I encourage you to add your own — we need some sweet to get us through the bitter.