Go Home 2020, You’re Drunk
We’ve all had that friend who’s indulged too much and become belligerent, thus becoming a burden and pain to all those around them. In many ways, that’s how some have described 2020 thus far.
We’re a little more than halfway through an extremely trying year. Households are learning new balancing acts having to juggle work, school and childcare responsibilities. Mayors and parish leaders are managing their communities and assessing local health risks. Meanwhile, our state and federal government officials are trying to keep a delicate balance between our populations’ health and the health of our economy. None of these tasks are simple, and it appears things are going to get more difficult before they get easier. Every step of the past four and a half months has been a learning experience, building on the foundation of knowledge from before.
As I reflect closer to home on our family and business, there are just as many challenges. Regardless of commodity, the markets all are reflecting the uncertainty of the economy and make usual crop planning and risk mitigation quite difficult at best. Personally, we welcomed a baby girl into our lives in early May. My husband and I are quick studies in our roles as new parents and are busy figuring out our new normal. However, bringing a baby into the world in the midst of a worldwide pandemic adds a whole extra layer of concern and juggle. The varying health effects the virus has on people has caused us to be especially cautious. Simultaneously, we’re just as cognizant of our enhanced exposure through doctor and hospital visits and are minimizing our visits with friends and family who may be immunocompromised.
Yet, we’re not alone in our challenges as new parents and business owners. Most parents are contemplating what the next school year will bring. Many of those same parents are weighing whether one of them keeps their job or risk sending their children to school in an either/or scenario attempting to minimize exposure and risk.
The coronavirus is also indiscriminate in its effects on businesses, large and small. Some businesses have already permanently closed due to the effects of the economic shut down. As the country is gradually reopening amidst surging positive COVID test results, whether surviving businesses can withstand another wave is a question ominously looming in the back of entrepreneurs’ minds.
I have more questions and concerns than I have answers. I, too, am tired of the words “uncertain,” “unprecedented” and the like. I am worried what the future holds and am concerned things are going to get tougher before they get easier. Just like that drunk friend wearing out their welcome, 2020 is doing the same. But I am afraid that until we have a proven vaccine and a treatment plan, we have to ride this storm out. I firmly believe that if we can do that and persevere, we will be stronger as a society. That is my hope, at least, and that we don’t incur too much loss along the way.