Real Person(s) of the Year

You know who they are

I must say that the 2020 person of the year who was chosen has sparked some disapproval and disgust.  I am not writing to diminish the character or accomplishment that either person possesses on the cover of that magazine. 

But this past year belongs to the people who made it possible for most of us to still exist through this pandemic.  The first group of individuals that comes to most of our minds are the police officers, firefighters, first responders and medical personnel.  They didn’t just help us survive the pandemic but their lives were also on the line in the middle of those so-called “peaceful, loving protests.”  They are literally in the ditches everyday not unlike a tour in Vietnam.   I’m not sure what keeps these heroes going each day and night but I’m forever grateful for their loyalty and their will to uphold their oaths. 

It’s necessary to mention other groups of people, heroes whose lives have changed rapidly and maybe forever.  If you weren’t one of the Moms or Dads who not only lost your job but took on a brand-new hobby as a full-time teacher you probably can’t relate.  The stress of losing a job is more than enough to cause health issues no less being sequestered in your home indefinitely with the entire family.  And for the children there will be long-term effects of not being in a school setting for education as well as the lack of learning social and life skills. 

Abused, neglected children routinely witness violence or are directly involved in violent behavior in their own home.  These children cherish and depend on their Monday – Friday safe haven in school with a real hot meal.  They are sad survivors but heroes just the same for their endurance.  During the shutdowns you know they’re observing more than the usual amount of violence at home and my heart goes out to all of them.  My hope for every one of those children is to find and stay close to a strong role model who will guide them to a path full of love, potential, belief, compassion and faith.

Teachers have always been heroes especially for the students whose lives were literally changed forever.  And for all those committed teachers who continue to show up at school keeping kids safe and engaging students to be the best they can be, we praise you.  These kids are the future and need to be nurtured and guided in a way that some parents can’t or won’t do.  So thank you.

All patients are heroes whether they’re in the ICU, nursing home, hospice care or any facility.  Patients feel alone on a normal day in their lives and their world gets ridiculously small. Not able to see ANYONE for a visit seems so cruel and some patients don’t understand what’s going on.  The nursing staff goes above and beyond to keep patients in touch with loved ones including using cell phones for a FaceTime visit.  Those visits are sometimes used as a way for family members to say goodbye to their suffering loved one. 

How about our awesome truck drivers?  They are solely responsible for getting our food, paper towels, toilet paper and necessary goods to the stores, tirelessly.  That’s another job that can turn ugly when desperate people attempt to rob them at gunpoint.  Amazon, UPS and other trucks carrying goods have been attacked by people who are more unstable than ever because of this pandemic.  Anyway, many thanks to all our hero drivers for their dependability in catering to our daily needs.

There are numerous businesses that are now gone with the major shutdowns they’ve tried to endure.  Many owners knew they were ending their lifelong ventures and livelihoods.  And I was amazed when I heard some donated the remainder of their inventory and helped to save other businesses.  That could not have been easy but it was a noble thing to do, more heroes.

Restaurants were hit hard and unlike the airlines they didn’t get the bailout they should have.  I flew in May and October and the flights were packed like sardines so the airlines will always be fine.  But the Mom-and-Pop businesses are in trouble and I’m afraid we’ll lose our quaint culture of sole proprietors and the charm they bring to our towns.  They really are the strength and backbone of this country.

So these are my people of the year who remain loyal and committed in the face of adversity.  We shouldn’t forget that most of the adversity could’ve been stopped and even avoided.  They are true Americans who have the grit to rise above all the harsh conditions to not only survive but to thrive and contribute.  They make me proud to be an American and prove we are still the be best country in the world.

Here’s to a healthy, happy and successful new year.