As 2020 turned our world upside down, I shall also flip the title of this.
The Bad and the Ugly
1.
Covid-19 and the death and division it has
created is a no brainer.
2.
The politics that have divided us is definitely bad
and at times very ugly and non-democratic.
3.
The destructive riots have literally torn our
cities. Peaceful demonstrations are just fine, but, sadly, when our governments
do not listen, demonstrations move to more drastic situations. They turn ugly.
So, The Good! …as the New Year begins anew!
1.
Covid-19: We now have some vaccines available.
2.
Politics: We have a new President.
3.
Riots: Although the cause of the riots has not
been resolved, they have lessened, and some cities are looking at the tactics
of SOME of their police force.
BUT the real good of being locked down for nine months…
1.
Most families have been able to spend more time
together and understand the value of any loss.
2.
Many people have learned to Zoom with relatives
and friends!
3.
Many people support friends and families either
financially or in kind.
4.
Not spending money on travel or dining out, retirees
have been able to help their children and grandchildren as well as contribute
more to charities and donate to food banks.
5.
We have had time to slow down and see what is of
more value to us than material things. We realize that we can live without some
things. (exception: toilet paper!)
6.
We have learned to value our first responders.
I’m sure there are more good situations that has come out of
2020, but as a genealogist, the list continues! The time we now spend at home,
allows us to …
1.
organize our genealogy files.
2.
scan our photos and other documents.
3.
add names, dates, and places on the back of our
photos (WITH an archival pen).
4.
do more research, although online.
5.
attend classes, workshops and conferences via
Zoom, Go To Meeting, and Go To Webinar.
6.
write our family stories and childhood memories
7.
write a book or booklet our ancestors, or a
particular branch.
No doubt there is much more in each category, but if some of
the GOOD in 2020 has escaped you, you have 2021 to explore the possibilities.
Regardless, we all need to look at 2021 as a road out of
2020 even if the first few months do not feel like anything has changed. It will. We have made it through nine months
of chaos; we can make it for several more months! We have been given the wisdom
of the medical teams and now need to follow it well.
Wishing all of you the very best 2021 has to offer. Do take care of yourselves and your family
and friends. Stay safe. Make the best of what you have!
Emily
