Well, here it is the end of 2021. At first, I wasn’t going to do this, but I started looking back over the notes I made for each month of the year and thought, “why not?” It is more of a record for me, a reminder of special memories and people, closing out the old year and welcoming the new. Here are some highlights of my year and a couple of things I have learned. (Be warned – picture overload!)
January – 2021 Begins
Who could forget the attack on our democracy on January 6, 2021? I watched in horror and was mortified witnessing the mob attack the United States Capitol. I still cannot believe it.
The sentencing hearing for Robert Levy, the VA pathologist who misdiagnosed Dad’s cancer (and who misdiagnosed hundreds of others as well) took place on January 21 and 22, 2021. I wrote a lot of detail about this experience, listening to the testimony and hearing the extent of this investigation. I am not sharing the details here, but the outcome, while not “just” in my opinion considering the amount of negligence, was the closest one that could come to being “just” within the parameters of the law. Long, detailed, thorough testimonies and just as long, detailed and thorough sentencing. Parts of the sentencing hearing I attended via Zoom, some in person wearing a mask. This part, at least, was over.
February
Major snow and cold event for our area. Fun times playing with Everette in the snow, riding in the “bide by side” and building a snowman. Mr. Cool Dude. Record breaking low temperatures.
March
Getting the first dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine on March 8 and getting the second dose on March 29. Easing back into attending open-air outdoor events like baseball. Limited capacity with masks protocol in place and ushers reminding people to wear their masks while sitting and/or walking around. Eating/drinking didn’t need a mask. Tough job for the ushers.
Our trip to Hermann, MO after months of not traveling. Ventured out slowly but surely.
April
More with the Levy case. Cannot yet share details as it is too fresh even now. A little bit of my sentiment that I wrote at the time (I was quite emotional in the aftermath): “But I know that there is no price put on a life, not even an 82 year old man who took care of himself and only became frail and weak when he started chemo and treatment for a kind of cancer that he did not have….But it was settled, after 5+ years, it was “settled”. The two pictures tell it all (I did not include here). Dad died because of his treatment, and their expert can go **** himself. Our expert said otherwise. That is the truth.”
May
My girls and I hosted our lifelong friends for a “girl’s evening”. We have been friends with the same mother/daughters for almost thirty years. We always pick up where we left off. Those kinds of friends! It was a pleasant evening and it was great to catch up.
We also had a couple of family celebrations. Some family craziness. Went to more Razorback baseball games. Everette spent the night. I eased back into attending in-studio Jazzercise classes (had been “attending” via Facebook live).
June
Attended College Baseball Fayetteville Regional and Super Regional games. Exciting, fun, but fell short of Arkansas going to the College World Series.
A family celebration to mark an occasion. One grandson turned 15 years old. We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary on June 22 by going to Vetro 1925 and having a nice dinner. A family gathering at Monte Inn for Father’s Day. Met my Rogers teacher friends at Mojito’s for lunch. First time we have been together in a year. It was wonderful to see people in person and to visit.
Our sweet Everette started pre-school. A new experience for him and some adjustment, but he has done well. I think Mom and Mimi had to adjust, too.
July
Lots of summer fun with friends and family, swimming and gathering. Fourth of July family get together. Biggest news for July is my youngest daughter getting engaged. We are all very happy for them.
August
Birthday celebrations for my oldest daughter and my sister. School starts back and only a little bit of online grading this year. Fun weekend trip to Springfield, MO with my girlfriends to see Leann Morgan (see picture above). Laughter is truly the best medicine, cliché I know, but true. That, and great friends.
September
Razorback football games with family and friends. Celebrating Everette’s 3rd birthday with a Batman party.
Making new friends from Minnesota when my brother and his crew came for Bikes, Blues, & BBQ (even though the event itself was officially canceled because of the concerns of overloading the already overtaxed hospitals in the area).
Pretty sure fun was had by all. I know Everette was impressed with all the motorcycles. Everette also made a new friend.
On a sad note, said goodbye to our sweet border collie mix, Catalina, who was with us her entire twelve years.
October
Celebrating a granddaughter’s birthday a little late, but it was nice to be able to gather. Lunch with friends, Razorback football games, and a trip to my happy place – the beach. Special time with new and old friends while recharging by the ocean waves. And, the pumpkin patch.
November
Everette stayed with Mimi and Pa for four days/three nights in a row. The first time to be away from Mommy and Daddy that long.
Going to Crystal Bridges all bundled up with friends, in the dome and amidst the Northern Lights Show. Also had three birthdays, Thanksgiving of course, and more Razorback football.
December – 2021 Ends
Celebrating those November birthdays at the beginning of December. Attending a couple Razorback basketball games, one with the daughter and future son-in-law.
Celebrating my husband’s December birthday with the best fried chicken and “fixin’s”. Christmas gatherings with friends and family (Everette gets more fun each year).
Reaching my goal of 150 Jazzercise classes for 2021 (I actually attended 151 classes). Celebrating the New Year in Tampa, Florida at the Outback Bowl (Arkansas vs. Penn State).
And so ends 2021…
This isn’t by far everything, but just the highlights. If we have come to appreciate nothing else from this pandemic, let it be the enjoyment we can have in day-to-day living and the people we count dear even if there are times we cannot always see them.
My life is full. My heart is full. Wishing you all the happiest New Year!