At Fairfield County Mom, we always strive to connect to our readers. We hope our words are a source of comfort, advice, validation, and hope. This year, in particular, words have become so much more important, for they are the safest way to maintain human connection.
Words spoken on FaceTime and Zoom, bringing family members together. Words posted on signs, thanking our essential workers. Friendly words, projected under a mask, as we stand far enough away from our neighbors.
So much of this year is hard to put into words. There’s so much and so little to say. That paradox made me think about the six-word story technique that I use with my high school students. I turned to my fellow contributors to ask them to reflect upon 2020 in a mere six words. Here’s what we had to say:
Michelle: You can either laugh or cry.
Aarika: All the chaos, all the love.
Maria F: Cluttered clarity. The fog slowly lifts.
Erika: No commuting= family meals every day!
Emma: I am thankful but so tired!
Clara: Isolating. Missing my family beyond words!
Lauren: Learning so much about my kids.
Kate S: Everyday’s question: “Is this really happening?”
Daria: Never in my wildest dreams, 2020.
Meghan: ”Mom, is the sickness over yet?”
Jessica: Peace out 2020 and Hello 2021!
Maria S: Can I please have some space?
Melissa: “SOS! Please send wine and patience!”
Kate M: More time home with my family.
Marissa: I’m counting my blessings every day.
Elisabeth: Celebrating the slow down and togetherness!
Jasmine: Family time is all the time.
Caitlin: Just when you think it’s over.
Leanne: Don’t plan; it won’t work out.
Jamie: Crazy, hard, special year spent together.
Maria O: Crazy togetherness in our safe haven.
These nine months have been challenging, to say the least, but we’re here with you, wishing you continued strength.
If you had to compress your thoughts on this year into six words, what would they be?
