Christmas of 2020 was SO different from any I have ever had. Only a brief, masked, and socially-distant visit from one of my sons and his family, no visits from or to my other son and his family (too geographically distant), and no visits from or to my sister and her family (again, too geographically distant). No cozy, sit-down meals with family or friends...no tree...and, obviously, no presents under the tree. A few presents were exchanged, however (thanks to UPS, FedEx, and USPS). And several texts, emails, FaceTimes, Google Duos, and phone calls kept us linked together.

2020 was made to feel even more strange by the absence of my wife of 46 years. Neither of us were rabidly-social persons, but to go from a life filled with family and friends to one that would make any but the most recluse of recluses proud, has been really strange. Despite all of this, I think -- and hope -- I have maintained my sanity. Partly by my own efforts, but largely because of my next-door neighbors, who from time to time checked in with me to make sure I was okay and had everything I needed...my sons, who almost daily kept in touch with me via phone calls, texts, FaceTime, and Google Duo...members of my church who have kept in touch...and other friends and relatives who have contacted me from time to time. I want to thank you all, and I apologize that I have not reached out to you as much as I could and should have.