What a year, huh? Recently the Wichita business journal asked this community what we learned in 2020 and writing down on paper what I learned was a very thoughtful exercise for me because reflection and looking back on things have shown a great deal about us all.
Since the beginning. This Commission and Board of Health has made considerable efforts to slow the spread of this virus. We have listened to our medical professionals and supported measures designed to protect this community and our health care system. So if and when people do get sick, because we know they will, medical professionals are well, they are rested and ready to care for the sick and dying.
Look at us now, the last day of the year., Hanukkah and Christmas ended days ago, the Kwanzaa celebration upon us now but whatever faiths or tradition you celebrate, you probably sit around a table to do so.
This year we are going to see a lot of empty seats at those dinner tables.
We are going to miss friends who are sick or we, ourselves, may become ill.
One thing is certain: We will get past this virus. We will because we all know how and we have the tools to do it. And as much as we all want to complain, myself included, we are alive to do it.
A virus swept our nation killing upwards of 320,000 people. This virus brought sickness, yes but worst of all this virus brought division.
Lucky for us all, a new year is upon us. Pandemic provisions still in place we have to see this thing through.
We have to heal friendships lost and relationships broken. We have all got to stop the partisan divide and work to build each other up. We have to listen to understand another's point of view.
This year we saw civil unrest right before our eyes. Racial inequities exist even if we don’t see them or experience them ourselves. Poverty, extreme poverty exists. Domestic Violence is real and happens sometimes next door to our very homes.
2020 we saw record election turnouts both in the primary and general elections. Votes were cast early because people were ready to use their voice and to all the brave souls who ran for office this year, congratulations to each and every one of you. Win or lose you still won, right? You should be very proud of your accomplishments.
This election cycle showed us just how important every vote is. Sarah Lopez is proof that every vote counts.
I’ll not rehash all the gut wrenching decisions made this year because one thing that rings truer now more than ever is that life is precious and it’s the people of this community who matter.
People on the frontlines stocking shelves at local groceries stores.
People waiting tables in restaurants keeping mouths fed.
People caring for nursing home residents.
People like housekeepers and nurse aides and med techs making just enough to make ends meet.
People in our healthcare system, who, exhausted and worn out, work EXTRA hours caring for the sickest of the sick.
To the artist, musician, event planner, creative who earns a living gig to gig keep going. Keep creating. Don’t stop.
To the teachers learning and teaching all at the same time. You are a special type and this world is better because of you.
To all the small businesses trying to employ this community and provide for your families, you are the backbone of economic development here and we need you.
To the 3000 + employees of Sedgwick county, I’m eternally grateful for your dedication to public services and for putting in the work this year.
To my daughters, you are two of my sheros and I am eternally grateful for your patience. You teach me new and better ways to love and I am a better person because knowing your eyes are on me has me trying a little bit harder to be better each and every day.
To all those mentioned and the people of Sedgwick county, we all have the power to work with each other to create a place that is vibrant, thriving and a success for all who live here. We just have to decide to do it and then actually do it.
Finally to all those in our community who are lonely, overwhelmed, sad, afraid or feel like giving up, you are not alone. No matter what your social status or position in this world there is someone who will help you. Reach out. I’ll connect you with help myself.
Each and every week I am humbled by the grace that is shown and given by real people who lead with their hearts. The year of “you’re on mute” has left me wanting to rest up because the momentum is brewing. Renewal happens 2021. Let’s make it happen … together.
