Opinions
 |
A year of firsts |
by Dale Burgos
I feel for the people who went into a coma around January and are now waking up to a whole new world. How shocking would that be for someone? There has got to be at least one person who experienced this, right?
I’ve also read stories about people who took a trip to a remote place in the world back in February, completely unplugged from technology and emerged in March or April shocked by what they saw.
The global COVID-19 pandemic is clearly the top news story, with millions infected or dead. We’ve had to adjust to our new normal where masks are necessary in public places, hand sanitizer at the ready around every corner and the need to stay further apart from the people we normally greet with a hug or handshake. For me, it’s been an adjustment; I am a hugger, a close talker and a hand shaker. For now, I don’t mind holding off on those rituals until we find a vaccine. But even with a vaccine, I’ve read that COVID will always be present, therefore, we may have to realize a new normal is on the horizon.
My news feed has been inundated with videos of people who flaunt their anti-mask beliefs whether in a grocery store, restaurant or public place. People without masks would butt heads with those who were wearing masks. I still don’t get it, I wear a mask not only for myself, but for those I love around me. Doesn’t it just feel like the right thing to do?
This year we have also witnessed unprecedented global civil unrest. It was this year that the world stood together following the death of George Floyd. Protests were held all over the world and Black Lives Matter was on our collective conscious.
In past years we’ve witnessed acts of solidarity raising awareness for the struggles black people experience everyday. There was the Million Man March in 1995, pro sports teams halting play, or the march in Selma, Alabama in 1965 known as Bloody Sunday that became the turning point in the civil rights movement in the States.
In 2020, millions continue to demand change and it looks like we’re getting somewhere. Jurisdictions are holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. It may not be happening as quickly as one would hope, but it’s happening.
These days, the return to school has been keeping me busy. As the communications director for a school district, you can just imagine how important it will be for me to share information as we navigate this global pandemic. Students want to come back to school even though it may look different. Parents are anxious about sending their kids back to school because of the unknown. We may not have all the answers, but one thing is for certain, the education, health and safety of all students remains to be the top priority.
I’ve heard from a lot of people saying they wish 2020 were over since nothing good has come of it. Granted, it hasn’t been a stellar year, but for my wife Izzy and me, it’s been pretty good. We welcomed our first grandchild! I am a proud Lolo to our oldest son Johnny’s baby girl. Everyone meet Tegyn Crystal-Ann! She was born in Winnipeg mid-August after her mom Nicole had a very long labour. She sleeps and eats with no fussing! I may be a bit biased, but she’s perfect. Can’t wait to spoil her rotten.
2020 has been a year of firsts and will continue to be. Please take care out there.
Dale manages the communications department for a school district in B.C.