BUCYRUS—The very difficult year of 2020 has come to a close and many local residents are reflecting on the things they learned from one of the most difficult years of their lives while looking forward to what 2021 will bring. Many people are experiencing the financial, mental, and emotional impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to their lives and are navigating some of life’s most difficult struggles while trying to stay positive. Several local residents have shared what they learned in 2020 and what they are looking forward to in 2021.
Bucyrus resident Dawn Pollock said the pandemic has brought families together.
“It made our lives slow down and actually spend more time together. We missed our large gatherings but it certainly made us appreciate them even more,” said Pollock.
Morgan Keets learned to slow down more often.
“We learned to slow down more. This year has brought us life and death. We welcomed our son in April during trying times and we have lost loved ones for various reasons. Quarantine has taught us to really slow down and enjoy each other,” Keets said. “I learned a long time ago that life is very short. I genuinely hope that people are able to mend fences and start loving one another again in this new year.”
Maggie Barth cites the quote, “We plan, the Gods laugh,” as it applies more than ever this year. Vickey Yates Milligan said to enjoy the little moments in life because they become cherished memories.
Sonya Bloomfield Young of Bucyrus said that 2020 is coming to an end.
“God has protected us through months of uncertain times. Let’s thank Him for bringing us through. God has taught me to slow down and enjoy my family! If it wasn’t for God, I don’t know where I would be this year,” said Young. “He has provided and kept us safe! God is good!! All the time God is good!!”
Heidi Valdez, a major at the Bucyrus Salvation Army, said she has been able to peer inside people’s souls throughout this pandemic.
“I’ve seen beauty and generosity. I’ve seen selfishness and ugliness. This has truly enlightened me to people’s true selves,” said Valdez. “My goal is to be more optimistic in 2021 than I was in 2020.”
Sandy Nauman treasured the little bit of time she was able to spend with her family.
“When our boys were able to visit us, it was such a very special time. We cherish each other so much and have NOT had many problems,” said Nauman.
Peggy Atkinson Neumann said that actions show how people are, not really what they say.
Laura Hamilton-Sweitzer experienced great loss in 2020 and recommends cherishing time with your loved ones.
“Time is very precious. I took the time I spent with my parents for granted. I saw them every day and it was like a routine. I lost both my Mom and stepdad in nine months and it was devastating,” said Hamilton-Sweitzer.
Amanda Moening saw hypocrisy in some people.
“We value the ideal of American Ingenuity, but not when it’s going to be an inconvenience. And we want compassion for ourselves, but struggle to have humanitarian compassion for people who don’t immediately touch our lives,” said Moening.
She said her goal for 2021 is to be an example of how to live by truth and compassion.
Chris Copper has hope for a better future with the release of the COVID-19 vaccination.
‘Keep the faith, we are headed toward a healthier community, country, and world as we pull together and begin the immunization process. We have learned what is most important to us all and through the process, we are prioritizing individuals’ roles that need to be addressed first. Hope for a more cohesive country is in the air,” said Copper.
Aaron Sharrock, a Bucyrus resident and city council member, said we were reminded this year to stop saving everything for later and to stop putting things off for another day.
‘My only goal is to continue to work on not getting upset with myself when I have to change what I’m doing because I am unable to do things how I had wanted to do them. Acceptance of self is something that is not easy to achieve,” said Sharrock.
Ashley Clemons of Bucyrus said life is too short.
“We lost too many people, so you live and learn and love and move on,” said Clemons.
Lillie Patton grew up in Bucyrus and now resides in Piqua. She unexpectedly lost her sister in 2020.
“Never take for granted that someone you love will be there for you forever,” said Patton. “My goal for 2021 is to appreciate everyone in my life, no matter how small the role they play. Good riddance to this horrible year!! And may we never see another one like it.”
Jen Miller lives near North Robinson and said there is nothing more important than family.
“There’s nothing more important than family. Time became very precious and the little things matter most. My faith in God has never been stronger and I have never prayed so much. I have lost loved ones this year and could not attend the funeral due to the pandemic. That was really hard on me,” said Miller.
She has also learned to not let people get to her.
”If you want to be a part of my life, that’s great. If not, I am not going to go out of my way to make you part of my life,” said Miller, who is a cancer survivor. “My goal for 2021 is to focus on myself and get healthy and feel better about myself. I have struggled this year with diabetes. I have to get that under control and lose weight. Become more active and do more with family. They are very precious. Keep my faith in God and pray more.”
Davey Jones posted the following on Dec. 13 on Facebook.
“Admit when you’re mad. Explain that you’re unhappy. Elate when it’s positive. Cry when it’s sad. Live your emotions now so they don’t haunt you tomorrow. Feel them and then move on. Don’t be afraid to seek help. Never hold it against someone who can’t. This is what 2020 gave to me and I give it on to you.”
Teresa Spears-Corder said 2020 was a wake-up call.
“It’s been a “wake up call” our eyes are wide open to all of our blessings, we don’t take life for granted and instead make it more meaningful, we make memories. We encourage each other to stay positive and push through the tough times. We love more, we show love more and we except love more. Live for the moment and be optimistic about our future,” said Spears-Corder.
Cathy Wimer Pifer learned that there are a lot of self-centered people in the world, along with good people.
“I learned a big majority are only out for themselves and their wants. I also learned there are still really good people in the world. I already knew families need each other because I am blessed with a great one. This year made me know that’s getting more true daily,” said Wimer Pifer. “For 2021, I want to enjoy even more nature than I do anyway because it’s a great way to de-stress and see the beauty in the world, even with all the craziness surrounding us. My big goal is not to even respond to the craziness because nothing I say or do will change someone’s mind in what they choose to believe. They will always believe whatever theory fits their wants and needs.”
Kathy Wells said 2020 taught us to appreciate the little things in life by slowing our pace of life down.
“It also showed us how important family is. Never take anything for granted and try to make the most out of what you have,” said Wells.
Michelle Pickett Coleman said she has realized that people do not understand how science or research work, and will not be educated about it, either.
“Another thing I realized is that many people do not seem to realize how many times throughout the history of humanity that people have gone years, decades, or for the rest of their lives without seeing people they loved because of war, migration, the upheaval of governments, etc. There were no phones, no internet, frequently not even a postal system. The failure to see the big picture of history and our somewhat enviable place in it is dumbfounding to me,” said Pickett Coleman.
In 2021, she hopes to finally go on a postponed trip.
“I hope to make my postponed visits to Canada this summer,” said Pickett Coleman.
Julie Light-Copper realized she can become bored.
“What I have learned?- That I can be bored. I was never one to be bored but when you are in your home all the time, I just do not muster up the gumption to find something to do,” said Light-Cooper.
In 2021, she is hoping for balance when it comes to politics.
“I would love to find equilibrium among friends and their political beliefs. To all strive to care, help and find happiness,” said Light-Cooper.
Donna Hardymon learned to keep her circle small and to not trust people as easily along with many other things.
Trust no one. Keep extra on hand in all areas. Life is precious. Hold our loved ones tight. Do things today because tomorrow may not be available. Your, and my family, is my treasure. Read your Bible and know and understand what your reading from the Bible. Take as many pictures because you may not have your loved one at any time,” said Hardymon.
Kati Rae Barton said life doesn’t always go the way you want it to.
“Take time to stay home and love your family. Careers may be important but it’s not the most important because it can obviously be taken away at any given moment so I decided to stop draining myself with work and set solid boundaries. Instead, I want to fill myself up with time with the ones I love because unfortunately, they may not be here tomorrow,” said Barton.
Rick Harris learned there needs to be more importance placed on education in today’s society.
“I learned that our educational system in this country is broken! My hope for 2021 is we spend the money to educate the entire country so we can get this country back on track, and take back our high position in the world,” said Harris.
Lisa Hurley was asked by one of her children on Thanksgiving what she was thankful for and her simple response was that she is grateful for 2020.
“Of course, I got the stink eye from all the kids. So… Let me explain. 2020 has taught me way more than any other year in my life. It has taught me to live without my daddy, cancer is a nightmare!! It has taught me that no matter how good you are to some people, it will never be enough. This year taught me compassion towards others who are struggling, it has taught me patience, it has taught me who is there for me and who is not. 2020 taught me that life will never be the same after this year, so I must adapt. Anyone and everyone that can turn their backs on you can and will! I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly of our civilization, mostly the bad,” said Hurley. “It has also taught me never to ask life what’s next because it will sure the hell show you. So thank you, 2020, for all the lessons! Now on to 2021! Please let it be kinder to us all.”