Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true:
That even as we grieved, we grew
That even as we hurt, we hoped
That even as we tired, we tried
That we'll forever be tied together, victorious
– Amanda Gorman, The Hill We Climb, 1/20/20
We toasted the end of 2020 by celebrating with friends in our home for the first time all year. After a year of Zooms with family and friends, it was wonderful to get time together… and to hope for a year ahead that would see us turn the corner on the pandemic. We traveled a bit, the kids went back to in-person classes, we visited some of our favorite restaurants. Things were more normal than they’d been for much of 2020, for which we’re very grateful – though that’s a pretty low bar! And as we look ahead to 2022, we’re trying hard to remind ourselves of the things we’re fortunate to be able to celebrate, instead of dwelling on what isn’t yet normal (or when that might be).
The kids had good years – after making it through a year’s worth of Zoom classes (Becca at Cal High, Robb at the University of Oregon, and Rick at University of Colorado Colorado Springs), all were able to return to in-person classes this fall. Rick is in his fourth year at UCCS, where he will complete his psychology degree next year. He continues to live in a house he shares with several friends (and two cats!) in Colorado Springs, and can often be found at the local rock climbing gym when not on campus or at his internship.
After an unusual freshman year at UO, Robb chose to live in a dorm on campus sophomore year, which has given him a much better feel for college life. He’s making progress towards a political science degree, and loved in person classes and getting to several UO home football games this season.
Becca turned 16 this year, and has been enjoying her learners permit. Her favorite junior year classes at Cal High are math and physics and while she opted out of the school’s culinary program this year, she’s been making dinner at least once a week all year (a win for us all!) She’s looking forward to the college search process this spring and summer.
My time off didn’t last long: after volunteering on California’s covid vaccination effort in January, I was appointed by Gov. Newsom to be California’s Chief Technology Innovation Officer in February. Working on the state’s response to covid has been a once-in-a-lifetime honor, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the move to public service. In other big news, I celebrated my 50th birthday in October!
Robin was elected to a two year term as the Vice President of Communication for the California State PTA this spring. The Board of Directors is a full-time volunteer role (ironically, this role has her in Sacramento more often than me!) which she is enjoying.
We said goodbye to Cody, who, at 15 ½ years old, had more than earned the peaceful transition that he made in September. Finn passed the one year mark in the family that same month, and though he misses his older brother, has settled into the role of my trusty co-worker during the week, Becca’s snuggle-buddy on the weekends, and TV/movie critic when we watch a show after dinner.
We were extremely fortunate to get much more time with friends and family in 2021 than we did in 2020. Rick and I were able to celebrate my niece Sydney’s high school graduation in Boulder; Bob and Elaine both celebrated their 80th birthdays this year; we saw Robb’s Godparents in Chicago; we spent a week visiting Rick and Molly in Drakes Island (Maine), where we also spent an afternoon with Robin’s extended family; the kids and I visited South Bend in November for the Klau Center dedication at Notre Dame; and our niece Mary visited twice (!) from London – once in July, and again in November. We’re grateful for the covid vaccines that made this time together possible, and are thrilled that we were each able to get a booster before the end of the year.
Like many of you, we’re beyond eager to get back to normal. As I write this, it’s looking increasingly likely that normal is still a ways away. Until then, we hope that next year is full of moments to be savored, celebrated, and remembered. Stay healthy, and know how grateful we are to have each of you in our lives.
Love,
Rick, Robin, Rick (21), Robb (19), Becca (16), and Finn (3)