2020: The year that was (though we wish it wasn't)

Oh Mexico! 

As we sit here munching on Christmas cookies a good friend just delivered, we thought it might be a good time to reflect on all things 2020. 

Or maybe not. 

How does one write a joyful holiday letter about the year that will forever be equated with a dumpster fire? Does one acknowledge the anxiety, institutional racism, and civil unrest in our country? The hateful political polarization that has torn apart families? The pandemic which has swept the world and killed thousands unnecessarily?

Masking up in Olympia

One would say probably not, but we just did. It's heavy and messy and we do need to talk about these difficult issues in order to better understand each other and move forward.

Prior to COVID-19, Garin and Courtney were just going along, working in their public sector jobs, walking the dog, and doing the New York Times crossword together each morning. They even managed to get in a February vacay to Puerto Vallarta where Court tried parasailing for the first time and survived! 

Hal delivers virtual library programs

Then came Rona. Within a few weeks everyone's world was turned upside down. Court's school district shut down overnight, forcing a sudden pivot to remote learning and new technology for teachers and families. Garin and all his co-workers were sent home to telework indefinitely. Anna's college classes went online, while she continued working as a residential counselor for Catholic Community Services. And Hal tried to isolate safely in Brooklyn, producing content and children's programs for the New York City Public Library and worked on his second YA novel -- this one is set in Olympia and has...aliens! Stay tuned. 

COVID Haircuts

As the months passed, we continued on in this way, learning the ins and outs of Zoom breakout rooms, acquiring a variety of masks both manufactured and homemade, and tried to keep to ourselves as much as possible. A summer trip to Iceland and Holland was canceled, though we did manage -- via 10 hours in the car -- to safely visit Garin's siblings and cousin for our annual retreat to the hills of Northern California.  Campfires and redwoods were a nice break from the isolation. To stay active, Garin took long bike rides when the weather was good and set up a stationary bike trainer in his shop for when it wasn't. Courtney joined a writing group and worked on her first Middle School novel. She also discovered her hip replacement last year didn't quite take and she'll have to have another one, along with a possible neck surgery. Bah! 

Sisters! 

The Cravens at Thanksgiving

 Meanwhile, more visits to Dallas were needed to help Court's sister, Sara, move their parents into an assisted living residence. Trying to find a safe, quality facility during COVID was a challenge. Family home? Skilled nursing? Apartment with a health aide? After much research, references, and several video tours, they found a place and moved them in over Thanksgiving. This transition has not been without its challenges, but the 24/7 nurse is a plus as is the fact they are less than 5 minutes from Court's sister (who by the way, after several months of unemployment due to  COVID, is the new director of Global Shop Design for Krispy Kreme donuts). 

 

Charlie boy!

The graduate & her pup! 

Our other big family news is that Anna graduated from Western Washington University this December with a degree in Human Services! She secured a job before graduation as a case manager, working to help secure housing for the homeless. She has a huge heart and a lot of grit. Perhaps it's "in the genes" as her grandmother and great-grandmother were social workers too. She lives with two other young women in Bellingham, and also adopted a canine companion, Hibanna, a playful red-nosed pitbull who has a lot of energy and loves to bark and chew whatever is in her eyesight (you know those rubber Kong dog toys? Well they are NOT indestructible)! 

Happy New Year! 

So as we say good-bye to 2020, it is with a sigh of relief and the hope of better things to come. That said, it's is not lost on us that the last year has brought us closer together with family and friends. It has opened our eyes as to what is really important in life. And it has, for sure, made us more aware than ever that love, gratitude, and patience will get us through even the worst of times.

We'll be sure to invite you local friends to our mask-burning party when everyone is finally vaccinated
too! 

Be well! 

The Schrieves