These are the rest of the 10 things I learned during 2020…
Breaking Fad – After talking about it for several year, we finally ‘cut the cord’ this summer and entered the streaming era. Of course, we then needed to increase Internet speed by adding fiber optics… and since our TV’s are older, we had to purchase a Roku. Then it turned out one TV isn’t compatible, so we ordered an over-the-air HD indoor antenna for local channels. After testing a free week of Hulu, we settled on YouTubeTV for the major networks. Everything works great; however, when you add in Disney+, Peacock, Prime and Netflix, the cost trends right back toward the amount we were paying for cable. We’ll be dropping a few in the New Year.
Century Mark – He broke into the Majors in 1942. Then he enlisted in the military and served three years during World War II. He made it back to the Bigs in ‘47, playing 11 more seasons and for seven of the eight American League teams. Ted Williams said he “was the most underrated and clutch hitter I ever played against.” After retiring he became a baseball executive and was president/GM of the Texas Rangers for a time, which allowed me to start a lifelong friendship with his son Paul. On December 15, Eddie Robinson – the Oldest Living Former Major League Baseball Player – turned 100. He started a podcast a few months ago, which proves you’re never too old to try something new.
Lasting Legacy – One hundred years from now historians will still be writing about the 2020 Global Pandemic, just as they continue to chronicle World War I, the War of 1812, the South Sea Bubble and the Mayflower. There will be books about how governments handled their responses, how so many suffered, how elected officials and citizens took sides. All that is for others to reflect on down the road. This year taught me that what we think we know changes quickly. There is another ‘something big’ down the road that will impact our grandchildren. My hope is that when that time arrives, they learned some things from us, and they, too, will have faith, discipline and patience, to see the challenge through to the other side.
Gift Giving – Covid greatly increased the numbers of those in need; right now, one in five people in Southeast Texas don’t have enough to eat. In lieu of client gifts, once again this year, we contributed to a nonprofit that is doing wonderful things in our local community. The Houston Food Bank distributes fresh produce, meat and nonperishable items, and prepares nutritious hot meals for kids. Each dollar donated provides three meals and they are currently serving more than 90,000 households each week in 18 area counties.
I’ll conclude with a quote about the most wonderful time of the year. This one courtesy of Agnes M. Pahro: “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.”
Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Seasons Greetings. Here’s hoping the world gets well in 2021… and continued success in all things.
