This was a horrible year for most people. We had to stay apart to stay safe. Visits to friends and family were forbidden for everyone’s health and safety. No hugs, kisses or handshakes either. Even the new elbow-bump was off the list as nobody had long enough arms to keep a respectable 2m apart while exchanging this pleasantry.
The simple act of comforting the sick in hospital had to stop. If you suffered a bereavement, showing compassion was banned. After such a year, I would normally be the first to wave good bye. But there I was, New Years Eve, midnight approaching, torn between saying “get knotted” and “don’t leave”.
You see, while the year has been shit (sorry… no other way to describe it) it was also the last year I spoke to Mum and enjoyed a bit of banter with her while she was mentally still with us. What I wouldn’t give for just one more day of her company, warm hand to hold and daft advice given. That’s why I found it hard to let it go.
But time does not stop for anyone. Old years go and new ones arrive. The past has to remain in the past as memories. God knows I’ve collected a few. Some sweet and others I hope will fade in time. With a deep breath, heading into the future, I finally let go and bid farewell to the tumultuous year that was 2020.
Mind you, 2021 does not look like starting off too well. The UK infection rate is blooming scary, to the point where I don’t look at the news anymore. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, two vaccines already in distribution. I guess that gives us all hope, and something to look forward to. We will get through this and be able to hug, kiss and mix together again. And this time, a year on, we might be sad to see the end of 2021.
Here goes… good riddance to pestilent 2020 and welcome to 2021, year of jabs, rediscovering the joy of hugs and leaving our homes without feeling scared to be near people.
Wishing you all a healthy, happy and harmonious New Year.
Cath xx
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