Lives were forever changed all over the globe by this deadly Covid-19 virus. New words were added to our everyday lives – Pandemic, PPE, stay at home, and self-quarantine.
The nationwide lockdown sent many into panic mode. Stores were quickly empty of everyday items like bread, can goods, chicken, meat, Clorox, anti-bacteria wipes, and paper towels. But the number one product that made nationwide headlines was the rush to buy toilet paper. Stores had empty shelves for months as people stocked up on it. No wonder Forbes gave toilet paper the retail award for 2020.
As someone who is disabled and breathing on a ventilator, I had my own worries about shortages. As more people started to get the virus, we found a nationwide shortage of ventilators. What wasn’t mentioned too often, though, was that ventilators needed circuit hoses and connectors. All medical items I used weekly.
I spent most of the year in a shelter at home. There were a handful of times I was able to visit a hiking trail nearby. My sister and I always wore a mask while on the trail. It always surprised me though I saw other hikers not wearing them.
This would be my last hike for a couple more months as the next day, wildfires broke out in California and only miles from where we live. Since we lived near an evacuation area, we packed our vehicles with what we would need in case we had to leave in a hurry.
Most of November and December was spent finalizing my book, ADA & ABA Illustrated Guide to Parks and Trails. It was colossal learning to experience hiring and working with a copy editor, proofreader, and book interior designer. This experience will be beneficial in 2021 as I have two fiction stories planned to be published in the Spring.
Like most people in the United States and around the world, 2020 couldn’t end soon enough. We all hope that 2021 will be a much better year. As for myself, I will do as I have always done. Take it one day at a time.
Happy New Year!
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