Silver Lining
silver- silber
2020 is behind us and now we look for hope in 2021.
We all know how difficult 2020 was for - some more than others. I could list the things that were tough for us - but we are healthy and safe - so we really have nothing to complain about in the bigger picture. Instead I'll think back about each month and find the positive - I am looking for the silver lining.
January: In January, Klara and I took our German language level tests. We both passed. Klara has steadily improved and continues to study at Uni in Vienna. I am a bit slower, but still determined.
February: We travelled to Austria to visit family, visit Vienna and hit the slopes. All prior to the notion of a pandemic. In a strange way, it was the last normal we experienced. Miriam got to spend a few extra days alone with her Oma and Opa.
March: Klara and I were in the US to finish her high school career and get the house ready for rental. Our time was cut short by the pandemic but we were able to get our tasks done in the house, able to rely on incredible neighbors and friends to finish the remainder after we left and we were able to get back to Stephan and Miriam safely. In total Klara and I rode out 31 days of isolation together - including 10 in her room in Zürich. She was a great partner. Though it was not the spring planned and I doubt too many 17 year olds could have dealt with their mom in such close quarters - she did and with grace. I am glad I got to ride out the first part of the storm with her.
April: In April, I decided to get actively involved in a local nonprofit called Zharity. Who knew a simple phone conversation would turn into becoming the board president and fill my time with such wonderful people, programs and efforts. I am proud of what we have accomplished and where we are headed.
May: May brought pandemic fatigue. We did more puzzles, reached out to more friends and at home, found constructive ways to spend time together. We started a pandemic journal at night, thinking of things that gave us joy. (we wrote 5, 4, 3,2 and 1 in regards to the 5 senses - each day different. In example, 5 things that are yellow that we see, 4 that we hear, 3 that we taste, 2 that we touch and 1 that we smell).
June: Klara graduated from high school. No ceremony, no prom - but lots of love and pride.
July: We got to spend 3 weeks in Austria. Two of those on the countryside near Stephan's family. We took it slow and distanced but we were lucky enough to get outdoors, walk, sightsee at places that are usually too busy, and still see some family. We even got to visit one of our favorite places - but usually too crowded, Hallstadt.
August: Miriam started school at a new school, the Hull's School in the heart of Zürich. It is a good fit and we are hoping she finds enjoyment and challenge through the rest of her high school career. They have been able to hold classes in person since the start of the school year. (They are going online for at least the first week after winter break).
September: Klara moved to Vienna to start her new adventure. She quickly found her place, made friends, started school and settled into life in the third country in a year.
October: We spent time visiting local castles and walking the neighborhood, discovering new trails. Feeling grateful for new and old friends.
November: A deep breath of relief and hope to know Biden/Harris will be in the White House.
December: Game night is back. We took a little hiatus from game nights, perhaps tired of the same or tired of each other's favorite games. Poker turned things around and we are back to games and just in time for school holiday break.