From "Home" to "Hope"

Last year, my word of the year was "Home." 

When I picked that in late December, I had no idea that I would spend more time in my home this past year than I ever have in my life!

I had no idea I would be able to pay off my mortgage and make it all mine. 

I had no idea how precious it would be to just be in my own space, feeling safe and protected from the outside world.

It's been a year, hasn't it? I've already reviewed some of the good things that happened during this strange period. But I'm not sure I mentioned there just how very much I valued my home, my space -- especially with the realization that for many, that was one of many things that was threatened by the pandemic.

What a word.

So, what to choose for this year? I've decided on "Hope."

 

Hope that the vaccine will be jabbed into my arm sooner, rather than later.

Hope that we will soon be able to celebrate  Christmas with the Toddlers and the Big People.

Hope that we can hug and kiss and touch our friends and family.

Hope that I can attend -- in person -- my cousin Jeff's October wedding.

Hope that Rick can take the long bike ride he plans next summer.

Hope that I can travel too!

Hope that the borders will open -- and that we will feel safe to cross them.

Hope that we can gather more safely and not need to worry about disinfecting groceries or wearing gloves when we pump gas.

Hope that our country will begin to heal and gain some of the reputation that it had in the world several years before now.

Hope that our economy will begin to open, to heal and that those who have struggled so will find things looking up.

Hope that children who are being schooled online will be able to return safely to the classroom.

And hope for so much more -- things large and small, global and local, personal and collective.

Hope. My heart is so full of it. It's a good word for 2021.