I wrote this blog before the events of last week with the intention of posting it today. After the events of last week, I seriously considered holding this blog back. But my intended message is important and not intended, at all, to address current events.  

I often look back at what I drafted the previous year before I compose the instant blog.  Peaking at that 2020 commentary really focused on the contrast in how we live today, still under a Pandemic but hopefully vaccinated, or on the verge of receiving this protective measure.

A fortune cookie provided by my local Chinese take out with my dinner the other night read:     "If you don't enjoy what you have, how could you be happier with more?"   That is so true. I was enjoying reflecting on this statement when I turned it over and it said "Please disregard all previous fortunes."

Did you ever notice a circular scar on someone’s arm or leg?  When I was young such scars were visible and common due to the mid 20th century need for smallpox vaccinations. To my knowledge such scars are not caused by a coronavirus vaccination. 

When my children were born, I saved a copy of the New York Times from their birthday. I’m not sure what eventually happened to those copies over the many years but I remember showing it to them as they grew up. On Tuesday, my daughter gave birth to her second child - our newest grand-daughter.

So what’s really changed other than the date on the calendar? 2020 was marked by so much uncertainty – I dare say more than usual – and here we are in 2021.    

  Just like everything right about now, it’s a weird new year. But I am kind of psyched for 2021.

My husband and I are going to be first time grandparents. My stepdaughter is due in July on my 60th birthday (the timing of the due date is fodder for another blog).