Looking back over the last 12 months, it’s hard to believe it has only lasted 365 days. Many changes have taken place in such a short time, not just for us, but for the whole world. It seems like every country in the world had a stake in our presidential election, and many folks are still holding their breath, wondering what is going to happen come January. Many of us were hopeful things would go back to normal in November. Instead, the month brought with it more uncertainty.

The “Rona,” as my family likes to call it, has brought with it challenges I never imagined having to face in my lifetime and a somewhat uncertain future I don’t want to contemplate. I found it strange many folks wore masks in countries like Japan when in public, and now it’s becoming standard attire here in the U.S. All these faceless people going about their day makes it hard to build a connection or even offer a smile to a stranger who might need it.

My world, aka my head, is still spinning. This vertigo is not giving up without a fight, despite all efforts to get over it. After the second round of physical therapy on Christmas Eve, my therapist said all we can do now is wait and hope it corrects itself. The doctors think it is a virus of the inner ear. I was told to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated. So while my family made a mess of my house this holiday and enjoyed eggnog and the other goodies of the season, I sipped on strawberry Pedialyte and sat on the couch like a lazy bum.

I love my kids, and I love when they come home, but this Christmas has been challenging. I guess I have spoiled them and have done everything for them because with me being “out of order” this year, everything was complete chaos, and the house looked like a bomb went off in it. I didn’t realize how much I pick up after them until now. I don’t think they did either, and whenever asked to clean up, they bickered at one another about who made the mess. My boys are heathens! Hopefully, the whole family has a new appreciation for Mom.

Like many others, I am worried about what tomorrow holds and what new crazy 2021 brings with it. I’m hoping for a healthier me in 2021. I feel like I’ve been sickly most of this last year. I’m really hoping to get things moving in the bigger house. This one is just not big enough for our “not so little anymore” family. Three of my boys are nearly six feet tall and are too big to sleep in bunk beds. When we are all home, there is no sacred place, not even the bathroom. One bathroom is not enough. I’m not even sure that two would be.

As challenging as this past year has been, it has also had its highlights. Despite George being unemployed for 12 weeks, he has found what we hope to be a career close to home that will hopefully carry on until his retirement years. Bill and Rita haven’t given up on me just yet, so I’m still employed and able to do my part in providing for my family. Although some of my friendships have been strained and seemingly forgotten, others have blossomed. We have adopted four soldiers, whom I thought would have forgotten us after Thanksgiving, but instead have kept in touch.

2020 may not have been the best year ever, but what doesn’t kill ya makes ya stronger—happy New Year to each of you, X’s & O’s.