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WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

Look Around And See For Yourself

Don’t take my word for it

Barbara Andres

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Photo by jose alfonso sierra on Unsplash

2020, now in the rear-view mirror, was for many of us the worst year of our lifetimes, and by some measures the worst year in human history. For many, it could not possibly been worse, especially for the 340,000 American families who lost a loved one or the millions who lost their jobs or small businesses. It was a heartbreaking year for frontline health workers whose tireless efforts sometimes still meant that someone didn’t get helped because it still wasn’t enough.

To all of us, but especially to the grieving, the suffering, the hungry, the unhoused, the disillusioned, and the exhausted survivors of 2020: I am so sorry. I cannot imagine how you are feeling. Please take all the time you need within the spectrum of emotions that need to be felt and don’t move on until you are good and ready. Take care of yourself, and let yourself be taken care of.

I’m in the third act of a life lived, so far, unremarkably. Still, I want to leave my mark somehow. My brother and I are the last twigs on our family tree; a tree that will stop blooming before this century is over. Since I haven’t contributed another human being to this world, all I can contribute now are words.

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Barbara Andres
Barbara Andres

Written by Barbara Andres

Muddling through, one story at a time. Grab a cup of tea, pull up a chair, and let’s get curious together. On Bluesky: @terriersrus.bsky.social

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