Since COVID has pretty much dominated the year, lets get it and work out of the way first. Washington State announced our first confirmed cases back at the end of February, which activated our EOC (Emergency Operations Center) and it has been the focus for the most of the year. For my role, I have been managing the County JIC (Joint Information Center) since the first part of March hoping to make the most of state guidelines and help coordinate messaging throughout the county, cities and agencies in Clark County as well as making sure we do not have conflicting messages coming out of Portland just across the river. Throw in some civil unrest, a couple weeks of devastating wildfires and wildfire smoke, and you get a pretty good glimpse of my 2020. I am thankful however, that I still have my job… I have a roof over my head, and I have a wonderful group of friends and family that support me.
The year started off with an amazing trip, which now seems like a lifetime ago. It had been on my mom’s bucket list for years to be able to do a cruise of the Panama Canal. I feel fortunate that my sister and I were able to join her as well on a wonderful trip that took six of us from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through the canal and ending in Long Beach California. Along the ways we made stops in Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and a couple stops in Mexico. This was the first cruise for me so there were a lot of unknowns going into it, as well as adjusting to days at sea. One of the things I enjoyed was joining the Pop Choir that rehearsed throughout the cruise before performing the last day aboard. It was a wonderful escape and I loved getting a glimpse into the culture of these other countries, many, I can’t wait to go back and explore more.
In April I adopted a couple of cats especially since COVID was forcing us all to spend more time at home alone. After not having any fur babies for many years, it was quite the adjustment. Just as we were settling into our cohabitation, I lost one of them (Willie) abruptly at the end of November. Now the other (Nellie) and I are trying to adjust just the two of us.
After working multiple months without a real break, I snuck back to Montana over the Independence Day Holiday weekend and spent a couple days in Glacier National Park with my best friend and his family. I am really grateful for this time with him and his family.
At the end of August, my dad had a stroke, and I quickly made my way back to Montana. After spending several days in the hospital, he was moved into a rehab facility where he spent three weeks before being sent home to continue his rehab. He is currently living with my sister, and while he still has some work ahead of him, he is getting his old life back a little more each day. I made another trip at the end of September to help with care, all the time while working remotely. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am that my sister is there and has undertook this huge role in helping him recover. While I was in Montana, I did get a couple days to camp and hike near Mystic Lake and Sioux Charlie.
2020 has certainly been difficult for many, bringing challenges, pain and loss to so many people, including many close to me. Yet this year has also brought hope, and a renewed sense of living in the moment. It seems many have rediscovered the simple pleasures of slowing down, and spending time with family and friends. My Wish for you this Holiday Season, is you as well find that hope as we celebrate this wonderful season and look to a fresh start in a new year!
Health, Happiness this Holiday Season and a Blessed New Year!!