Originally posted on December 31, 2020
Author: Monica Robles-Lopez
2020 has definitely been a year like no other. It was an unprecedented year that made us realize that we can’t always control our lives and the things that happen or don’t happen. I still remember a year ago, I was so excited for the year 2020. It was a perfect round number. There were several holidays that were landing on perfect weekends to stretch out our vacation time. My family was expecting several milestones in 2020, including milestone birthdays, graduations, proms, and vacations. We came to a screeching halt when the global pandemic hit our world, and we were forced to cancel all the plans we had. I had many low moments of feeling frustrated and sad that all the decorations, all the calendar dates, the cap & gown, the tuxedo – they were all canceled out and not put to use the way I expected. I was sad that after so many years of wanting to return to school, it would be my misfortune that I would not be able to have that special moment in my life to shine and walk the stage to receive my Bachelor’s degree. I was sad for so many of those milestone moments for my family.
BUT GOD! God reminded me that these little celebrations are special and important; but they are not everything. What was more important was that these milestones were still taking place…they just weren’t able to be celebrated like we expected. We had to get creative and turn to alternate methods of celebrations, like drive-by parades, which actually turned out to be a lot of fun. Celebrating without all the setup and cleanup….WIN!!
2020 showed me to appreciate the more important things. I have my salvation and I am heaven-bound no matter how my life on earth ends one day. I have my family surrounding me in the highs and the lows in life. We have a strong bond and love that supercedes all the petty things that get in the way. Here are my highlights of 2020 that make me know that there is always a reason to find joy….
January – I celebrated my 46th birthday!
February – the calm before the storm…
March – we had an extended Spring Break, which we thought was great, but we had no idea what was historically to follow.
April – We celebrated Jacob’s 18th Birthday and had our first birthday parade celebration!
May – We celebrated Brandon’s 17th Birthday and celebrated with a birthday parade. On May 15, I “graduated” with a Curbside Graduation at TAMUSA. My family threw me a drive-by parade, and my sister-in-love had a special Zoom virtual ceremony for me. My sister planned a very special “Wonder Woman” themed party to celebrate me finishing school and getting ready to graduate.
June – Jacob graduated from high school! His school made a way for students to still walk the stage and take pictures. We were able to have a graduation parade celebration, as well as a party in person – HUGE WIN for this event!
July – Danny celebrated his 50th birthday!
August – Jacob got his driver’s license and a car! Hannah got a promotion at work and started at a new store. She became an Assistant Department Manager for the HEB Bakery. School started again in a whole new way. Never in our lives had we seen what 100% remote instruction looked like until now. Hannah began her last semester in college at TAMUSA; Christian began his Junior year at TAMUCC; Jacob began his freshman year at Palo Alto College; and Brandon began his senior year at John Jay.
September – Danny and I celebrated 22 years of marriage! My bonus daughter also celebrated 30 years of life. We didn’t get to see her, but I have faith she is well.
October – Hannah celebrated her 23rd birthday, and Christian celebrated his 21st birthday!
November – Hannah closed on the sell of her first home.
December – Hannah graduated from TAMUSA on December 15. And it was the month of the new home! It was an exciting but stressful time, trying to get everything done the day before Christmas Eve. We celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
UPDATE: We ended 2020 together! We had dinner, games and a movie at Hannah’s house, and we were able to watch an abundance of fireworks from her backyard. I cried at midnight as I just reflected on the Goodness of God, the tears and the laughter that came with 2020. And I just said “thank you” to Jesus and declared greater things ahead in 2021! We ended the night praying together with “Goodness of God” playing in the background.
My friends – always find joy in the journey!
FindJoy 