Reflecting on a Year Lost...An Anthem Opinions Editorial

Goodbye 2020

A Year that Taught Us the Meaning of Valuing Life

It was a year all of us will never forget, but would like to in so many ways !

 It  began with such cautious optimism, but a strange new illness would strike the inhabitants of the world, and it would forever change the meaning of life for so many of us. 

Yes, it was  a year filled with a changing lifestyle and despite the sacrifices so many made for the past 9 months, one has to look to something positive.... 

...because man needs a positive attitude to survive. 

Our wonderful city and community were forced to endure the trials and tribulations many of us in a senior community believed would never be a part of the remainder of our lives... 

..but they did, and we (for the most part) acclimated ourselves to changes at a time in our lives when "change" was the farthest thing from our minds... 

...and somehow, we did it ! 

Our community closed so many of its amenities; the entertainment industry all but evaporated, restaurants closed that had for years, prospered; a new professional football team would have to delay the public from enjoying its new stadium; and a state that began with such optimism, gradually faced massive unemployment...

 We were forced to accept it....and...we survived. 

But...2020, despite its life changing effect, can, if you allow it, teach us a lesson that I hope will ring in with the New Year. 

..a lesson so many of us seem to have forgotten. 

People...both our neighbors and friends far and away...are the most precious commodities we all share.... 

...not THINGS...but PEOPLE... 

...and as 2021 begins, let's look at 2020 as the year we learned how to APPRECIATE those who have been a part of our lives for years. 

So...here's my first New Year resolution I hope many of you will make.  It's a easy one, and it can all be accomplished in a single day. 

Just pick up your phone, and from morning to night, call every person you know who has been your friend and simply tell them... 

"Having you in my life, has been a bright light in a time of such darkness. Thank you for being part of it." 

We wish you a Happy and optimistic New Year.

And one more tidbit....you might want to click on this link...it says it all !

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPlQ6EtArSc

 

 Anthem Opinions

January 1, 2021 at 7:10 AM

From Cary Chubin of  Ft. Lauderdale FL to Anthem Opinions

5 Stars, Dick. 

January 1, 2021 at 7:10 AM

From Dorothy Yu...to...Anthem Opinions   

Hopefully future celebrations will all be in good health where you can engage with others.

Looking forward to helping you celebrate all of them.

January 1, 2021 at 7:11 AM

From Barry Goldstein...to...Anthem Opinions 

Nice message Dick. Happy New Year.

January 1, 2021 at 7:12 AM

From Mary Lee Duley...to...Anthem Opinions 

Beautifully written, as usual, thanks for sharing!

“Having you in my life, has been a bright light in a time of such darkness! ThankYou for being a Part of  it.”  

Sincere Friendships are treasures beyond words and you are such a special one in my life.

Wishing you and Marla a fabulous 2021!

Hugs to both of you.

January 1, 2021 at 7:13 AM

From Dan Roberts...to...Anthem Opinions

Excellent. Happy New Year

January 1, 2021 at 7:13 AM

From Margaret McKee of Grayslake IL...to...Anthem Opinions

Happy New Year.

Stay safe.  

Let’s hope things will be better in 2021. 

 January 1, 2021 at 7:14 AM

From John Schmidt...to...Anthem Opinions

Very nice Dick,thank you.

A Happy,Healthy New Year to Marla and you.

1. 
   Liz BreierJanuary 1, 2021 at 9:42 AM

   Very healthy and a very happy new year to you and Marla and of course happiest of birthdays. Let’s try and spend the next 12 months in the best of health!!!!
2. 
   January 1, 2021 at 10:58 AM

   From Dennis Bono & Lorraine Hunt Bono...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   “Amen” Richard! Words of Wisdom for 2021.
   
   Happy New Year and “Look To The Future”!
3. 
   January 1, 2021 at 10:59 AM

   From Michelle Murlin...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Thank you for sharing this... did you write it?  
   
   It's beautiful and is so poignant.  
   
   I hope you and Marla have a wonderful new year ahead and praying we all get back to normal real soon. 
4. 
   Anthem OpinionsJanuary 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM

   Guilty as charged, Michelle.
   
   The world needs a positive start to a new year.

January 1, 2021 at 12:28 PM

From Joe Fay...to...Anthem Opinions

RIGHT ON LIZ...............

1. 
   January 2, 2021 at 8:53 AM

   From Peter Brown...to...Anthem Opinions 
   
   Dick,Excellent article!
   
   The manner it is written speaks to the sincerity of your words.
   
   “Having you in my life, has been a bright light in a time of such darkness. Thank you for being part of it." 
   
   A couple of additional thoughts.......
   
   **I first used your words above to my best friend, my wife of 39 years.
   
   **A friend, a neighbor, an acquaintance, a buddy and so on are all important parts of our lives.....
   
   ...yet a friend is a friend indeed!
   
   **Integrity, Honesty and Character should be the pillars of whom you include in your circle of life.
   
   **Include those in your life who are positive and stay away from negative influences.
   
   **Be smart! The vast majority of the SCA community are thoughtful and pleasant people...
   
   ...yet there are some snakes in the tall grass.