2021, A New Hope

The 31st day of 2021 was also the day of the Annual Meeting at Old First Reformed UCC.  And the service and the meeting on 1/31/21 had me thinking.  There was a really amazing retrospective slide show of all that has been accomplished, primarily online, and a visionary look towards what the space might look like when we return (whenever that may be).  We also had fairly rosy reports on the Giving in 2020, the Budget in 2020, and the fundraising commitments for the future of the Church.  I has me hoping, faithfully, tonight.  Hoping that we soon can worship together.  But also having faith that our hopes (and dreams for that matter) will come to fruition.  I am not good at waiting but, in these days, we have no choice.  So I am glad to have a faith foundation in my hoping for the future, not just for Old First but for my family, for the vaccination plans, for the country, and, frankly, for the World.  Hope and Faith.  Not just two feminin...

They say laughter is the best medicine.  So, on the 30th day of 2021, I tuned in to Saturday Night Live to, hopefully, find some humor is all that is going on in the World these days.  She show on 1/30/2021 was the first new show of the calendar year, the first since the Insurrection in the Capitol.  And I was hoping to be able to laugh at some of the issues of the day.  Well, I smiled, a little.  But I had and still have hopes for humor.  I did not see much of the humor in the show tonight.  And, while it may have been the writing, or the delivery, I think it's more that I am not yet able to laugh.  I hope we return to a time when I can find humor in the political news of the week.  But, tonight, a smile is the best I could hope for.

There was something Super Sad about the 29th day of 2021.  I had a pretty decent day at work and then a family dinner and TV evening.  But, 1/29/2021 is also the last day of work for our Oaklyn/Collingswood SUPERintendent of Schools, Scott Oswald.  So I have Super Hopes tonight.  Hopes that Dr, O enjoys his next chapter of life and has success in his passion of promoting equitable education for ALL students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.  Hopes that the incoming Superintendent hits the ground running and continues to advance the programs we have going in the districts.  And hopes that we all remember the wise words of Dr. Oswald: #BeKind, People over Policy, and always put the children first.  Thank you for all you have done for our communities, Dr. Oswald.  I look forward to hearing about your future achievements!

The month of January has SO many Birthdays we love to celebrate.  My Nephew Stefan and my Mother in Law Winnie.  My MOM.  My two Nieces Ashley and Lauren.  And, on the 28th day of 2021, we have the third in a sequence of three (Mom, Ashley, and.....)  Yes, 1/28/2021 is the birthday of my Brother in Law, Chris.  Now I do not have any blood relation brothers.  But there are a few men who have served that role in my life.  Confidant, Friend, Keeps me Honest..... just as brothers do.  Tonight, I have more birthday hopes.  For my brother/brother in law, Chris Walters.  Happy Birthday!  So happy to have you in my life as my "brother!"

The 27th day of 2021 is the 26th birthday of my first niece ever, Ashley Walters.  But my thoughts on 1/27/2021 are not just about celebration (although I wish we could have celebrated together, but virtual wishes were sent).  No, I have role model hopes in my thoughts today.  Because, Ashley was not just a cousin to my daughters, she was a role model, a friend, a confidant, a teammate.  I am very proud of the way Anna and Alexa are growing up (even if some days it seems so fast) and a LOT of it has to do with the role models they have in their lives.  And Ashley is a central role model for them.  And, when I see them interacting with others younger than they are and I hear from parents that my girls are looked up to and that is the kind of pay it forward I enjoy to hear about.  So, Happy Birthday, Ashley, and thanks for the model you have and are still providing.  It takes a village, and I am glad you are in ours.

I have Maternal Hopes on the 26th day of 2021.  Why?  Because 1/26/2021 is the birthday of the amazing Bonnie Sherr, my Mom!  And this pandemic has caused the longest period of time with me not seeing my mom, in person.  Not since August 2019!  It's been too long.  I hope this is all over soon so we can gather as a family.  BUT, the pandemic has brought us more frequent conversations with FaceTimes and Zoom Game Nights and multiple Marco Polos on a daily basis.  If it weren't for this crazy time, I am not sure we'd know as much about Alexa's first weeks of classes, on campus.  So, while I have hopes to see my mom (and dad and sister and her family and aunt) in person, soon, I also hope that these online means of communication continue to flourish, even after the pandemic times are over.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! LOVE YOU! <3!

As you all can see on my Facebook Newsfeed today, Alexa started with her first Nursing Skills Lab on the 25th day of 2021.  My heart sang when I saw that radiant smile on 1/25/2021.  And, along with my happiness, comes with skills lab hopes.  I know how much Nursing Students can learn in these lab sessions and my hopes and prayers are that, even in a mostly-remote format, Alexa and her classmates learn as much (or MORE) as they would have in person.  I not only have hopes, but I have a feeling of assurance seeing all of the apps, sites, and other technologies that she and her classmates have.  And I cannot wait until the labs are in person again, but only after it is safe.

Only the astute followers of my FB Feed will notice that this post is not actually being made on the 24th day of 2021.  Although I will change the date to 1/24/2021 for logging purposes, I actually am posting on Monday since I went to bed, on Sunday, without any inspiration on a post.  It's not that I was out of hope (I am not hopeless at all!)  I just could not think of anything.  So I have a hope for inspiration for future days..... I want to keep this going.

So, with Alexa stuck in her room (Quiet Period on Penn's campus), my parents and sister in California, and us sequestered in New Jersey we've had to figure out inventive ways to have family time.  But on the 23rd day of 2021, we continued our practice of Family Zoom Game Night.  We had fun on 1/23/21.  Even though I scored the lowest I have ever scored (40) in Ticket to Ride and I am the world's worst artist on Jackbox's TKO.  Who won and lost was secondary to the fact that, from four different locations in three different states, in two different time zones, we had one fun time.  12321.  4321.  Numbers, games, family, fun, who can ask for anything more?   Tonight, I am hoping for a rematch.  I need to redeem myself!  Can't wait for the next Family Zoom Game Night!

It was a busy, emotional, long week.  Even though I only worked four of the days.  And, on the 22nd day of 2020, I end this week with more on my To-Do List than I started.  So, my hopes for the evening of 1/22/21 (another gloriously palindromic day) are hopes for productivity.  I hope for focus and the ability to get what needs to get done, done!  Deep breath.  It'll all get done.... eventually.

  The 21st day of the 21st year (2021) of the 21st Century was a palindromic day (1/21/21).  The second in a line of ten straight days (oh, how I love this week and the fact that all my friends keep telling me about it!)  And today was the first basketball game in the newly renovated Irvine Gymnasium of Collingswood High School.  And I was, once again, behind clock and behind the mic.  Oh how fun, and a return of just a little normalcy (even though the Covid protocols made it a little abnormal!)  Tonight I have Hoop Hopes.  There is an abbreviated season for both the boys' and girls' teams this season and I hope all goes well and we can have the games.  And, of course, I hope I do not mess up (too much)!  :-D

I feel a lot lighter on the 20th day of 2021.  1/20/21 is a palindromic day for which I have been waiting a long time.  I watched the Inauguration Day events with tears of joy in my eyes and a filled heart.  I love Pomp and Circumstance and it's been a while since I have been at a Penn Commencement or Convocation.  All the feels while I was watching.  And I listened to President Biden's speech and his call for unity is inspiring.  Again, it's an idealistic point of view, but I hope for a new dialogue for our government, for our country, and for the world.  Back in the WHO, back in the Paris Agreement, we're back, baby.  As Biden states, "let's not be known for the example of our strength and, instead, be known for the strength of our example"  Happy to be proud to be an American today!  But there is a LOT of work to do.  Let's get to working together!

My hope on the 19th day of 2021 is pretty simple.  My 1/19/2021 hope is a hope for a peaceful transfer.  Two weeks ago our Wednesday was shattered by the images of a seditious coup on our Nation's Capitol Building.  Tomorrow, I hope, it will be a smooth, ceremonial, event.  And then our government can get to the business at hand.  Covid, Caring, Climate, Jobs, Education, Healthcare, Help for the people at risk.  So much is broken and now we need people in DC to do their darn jobs (on BOTH sides of the aisle) and represent and care for the people they serve.  Idealistic hopes, I know.  Hopes that will likely not fully be recognized.  But maybe we can at least start going in the right direction.

The 18th day of 2021 was the day that America honored the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  There is both irony and synergy that, on 1/18/2021, America is reckoning with its troubled history AND its issues in the present.  And, I hope, we are at the precipice of a healing time in our country.  Yes, I have hopes for voices lifted.  In church, yesterday, we heard an amazing rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, performed by the alumni of the Stanford Talisman, a performing arts group at that university.  It is thought to be the Black National Anthem and the message is a great one.  I really, really, hope that things can change for the better in the near future, we sure have had a rocky near past..... let's all work to ensure that all voices are lifted and that we listen and that we can all sing together!  Hope you enjoy! https://youtu.be/o8pGp7N9bG8

  During the 17th day of 2021, I found myself explaining, online to a few of my fellow Penn Parents, the different statues and features of Penn's Campus.  While I enjoyed this on 1/17/2021, it made me long, even more, for my return to campus.  Yes, my hope is to see Ben, again.  Soon.  And I know my definition of soon might have to change and extend a little longer than I'd like.  But, I think Fall 2021 has a chance.  Things will never be "normal" again, but I need to see my friend Ben on a regular basis.  Soon.

On the 16th day of 2021 I have had the occasion, many times, wanted to give someone a hug.  I mean, I am a hugger on a normal day but today whether it was Alexa who is in her "Quiet Time" at Penn and stuck in her room or family members who are dealing with family health issues.... and tomorrow morning, when I am in online Church, I am sure I am going to miss hugging my friends there as well.  But on 1/16/2021 I am hearing about friends and family getting scheduled for the vaccine.  I am waiting for NJ to tell me when I can get mine.  And vaccines will allow for my Hope for Hugs to come true.  I really do think we are closer to the end of this pandemic than we are to the beginning (10 months in, I'd hope so!).  And I hope we can be together soon and, if acceptable, be hugging.  A virtual hug this evening and GOODNIGHT!

The 15th day of 2021 is, as it is every year, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.  And, on 1/15/21, I am not sure how much progress (or, honestly, how much we have recently REgressed to this state) has been made since he marched on Washington.  My hope for tonight is a hope for progress.  We need to make a lot of progress in this country.  Progress on treating people fairly and kindly, progress on the political process so that government can work for the people instead of for themselves and they donors, progress against this pandemic and the virus and progress on vaccine delivery and administration.  So much these days needs progress, and I hope we see it in the days, weeks, and months to come.

1/14/21 was truly a milestone day in the Sherr Family.  Because, on the 14th day of 2021, four and a half months after she was supposed to, Alexa moved into Lauder College House.  I am proud of her and am glad she will be on campus, even if learning remotely.  Tonight, I am hoping for a good semester.  Not a great one, those will come later, but a semester filled with meeting new people (in a safe, distanced manner), trying new things (safely), and living "on her own."  Things are going to be so much better this Spring..... I hope!

Maybe we should not have watched This Is Us (especially the episode where Randall finds out about his birth mother), but now we're all weepy.  Yes, the 13th day of 2021 was the last full day, for a while, that Alexa will spend here with us.  On 1/13/21 we are preparing, logistically AND emotionally for move in day tomorrow.  And my is that I hope I can keep it together.  I mean I have known this day would come, I thought it was going to happen 4.5 months ago, but tomorrow is the day.  After I get done some morning meetings and Anna gets home from hybrid school, we're gonna pack the car and go.  And Alexa gets to move in to college!  FINALLY!  The tears are not of sadness, but there are a lot of feels tonight, I can only imagine how it will be tomorrow.  Deep breaths....

  The 12th day of 2021 was the last piano lesson for Alexa.  It's been 6 months longer than we thought it would be, but 1/12/21 is the Tuesday before the day she leaves for campus so I sat in my living room and listened to her playing in the piano room.  It's been 13 1/2 years.  Since she was FIVE years old.  Practicing, recitals, playing at Church.... I almost cannot believe it's over.  BUT, maybe it's not.  I have piano hopes tonight.  Hopes that Alexa will meander down to the grand piano in the lounge of Lauder College House and start playing.  Hopes that, when she comes home for Break, she'll still duet with Anna.  Hopes that music stays in her soul and that these years of playing, practicing, performing have given her as much happiness as her playing has given to us.  And now, with tears in my eyes (yes, I am sappy), I am heading off to bed.  Goodnight!

So, on 1/11/2021, I have hope that is not as poignant as most have them have been so far.  The 11th day of 2021 is our first palindromic day of the year (well, second if we count 1/2/21).  And palindromic days usually bring good news and today.....well.....it brought news!  It remains to be seen if the firing of Doug Pederson is a good or bad thing for the Philadelphia but it does signify the start of a new phase.  Yes, my hope is for a rebuild.  In firing the coach, the owner stated his view that this is the start of a rebuilding phase (and I do not think Doug was on board with that).  Rebuilding may be hard to watch in the short term, but hopefully we get reBUILT in the long term and good things are on the horizon.  In fact, to take this away from sports, I hope the same for our United States.  A rebuild will hopefully start soon and, yes, it is now painful to watch, but hopefully good things are on the horizon.  Fly Eagles, Fly!

On the 10th day of 2021, I received a message from a friend that ran into Alexa at the pizza shop (her last day on the job before she moves in to Penn on Thursday).  On 1/10/21, Alexa's positivity and optimism and hopes for the future brought joy into my friend's life and made her feel a WHOLE lot better.  When I heard this, my heart was filled with pride.  Rule #1, since they were toddlers, for our family is that "we're the family that helps people, not hurts people."  My hope for tonight is that we are hopefully spreading joy.  In that, hopefully, we are spreading joy to people AND, with our hope, we are spreading joy to people, hopefully.  I think the heavy news of the past few days necessitates us finding more ways to bring joy to others and, in so doing so, also to ourselves.

We had a nice family day on the 9th day of 2021.  Since 1/9/2021 is the last Saturday before Alexa moves in to her Penn College House, we spent a lot of time together as a family.  We had a nice family dinner, we had a family movie night, and then we even figured out how to play Ticket to Ride, online, with Abigail in California.  Now, we can play with Alexa in her room, Anna and me here in NJ, and Abigail in CA.  Alexa is moving on to campus, but I have Hope for Continued Connection this evening.  Not too much connection as to be oppressive.  But, especially during the Quiet Period when she will spend most of her time in her single bedroom, it's good to know we have Zoom, FaceTime, Marco Polo, Facebook Messenger, iMessages, and now even an online Ticket to Ride Game with which to remain connected.  I am happy that Alexa is about to start her next phase of the collegiate journey, but I sure will miss her.  Continued connections will make it easier...

Two days ago, my hope was for healing.  And, on the 8th day of 2021, my hope is related.  On 1/8/2021, my hope is for health.  Today was a milestone day for us because Sarah got the 2nd dose of the Covid vaccine!  What an easing of our minds (all of us) that she will soon be safer while she is at work on the front lines of healthcare.  And word is that the next phases of the distribution may come soon, and I am hoping that, first, my parents and Sarah's parents can get it and then I would really like to get it.  But, the important thing about all of this is we (as a country) are moving forward.  Not as fast as we'd like to, but I am hoping that the roadblocks start to fade away and that the vaccine can get out to those of us who need and want it.  Of course, I have prayers and hope for health for many of my family and friends.  But, tonight, I add my hopes for the health of the nation and the world as the vaccine proliferates to get this pand...

This is a picture of a house in a neighboring town.  As I drove to the Gym (to swim) on the 7th day of 2021, I smiled and appreciated that, even though the last day of Christmas, Epiphany, was yesterday, these decorations remain.  In fact, a lot of houses seem to have left their lights up a little longer this year.  I think there has been so much darkness: the pandemic, politics, cold and short days of light.  But, on 1/7/2021, I want to channel Epiphany.  My Hope is for light.  When you have an epiphany, it's as if a lightbulb has gone off over your head.  When we celebrate Epiphany, we remember the Three Wise Men who followed the light of the Star to find the newborn Baby Jesus.  And as the saying goes, "Out of Darkness is born the light."  But I prefer Ghandi's quote, "If light can come out of darkness, then alone can love emerge from hatred."  So, my friends, my hope is that we can all work to come out of the darkness and let our lov...

I do not have much to say on the 6th day of 2021.  1/6/2021 was a rough day (especially when I referred to the news yesterday, TODAY'S was more disturbing).  My hope for tonight is healing.  We need healing.  In so many facets of this country.  May be all work to better health for all.

It's really hard to listen to politically related news these days.  Seems to me that government is so ineffective and has just become political theater.  From the chaos in DC to tons of negative ads about the Georgia Senate races to the abysmal behavior in the PA State Government today.  On the 5th day of 2021, I am just trying to ignore it all and, instead, focus on how I want people to behave.  Yes, on 1/5/2021, I am ignoring the prevailing the news of the day and instead focusing on my hope for compassion and empathy.  It does not matter what "side of the aisle" you align your views with, one should always approach those with whom you interact with compassion and empathy.  Would that this message could spread.... let's start a groundswell.  Locally, then country-wide, then world-wide.  I know it's an idealistic view, but I am a pretty idealistic guy and, heck, these are my hopes....

1/4/2021 was the second to last day of Penn's Winter Vacation.  Extended to give employees an extended rest due to all of the pandemic induced stress in the Fall Semester.  I have to admit, I did some work on the 4th day of 2021, but I also did things to take care of myself.  The day started with the first chiropractic adjustment of the New Year.  Always good to start the week, and the year, well adjusted.  Then, later in the afternoon, I went to the gym for the second swim of the New Year (also swam on Saturday!)  And, to be honest, it was a good workout in the pool.  I think that the three to four times a week is making me feel a lot better.  My 2021 hopes tonight is Hopes for Feeling Fit.  Not sure the weight is coming off fast, but I feel better and the better I feel, the more active I can be and the more fit I will be.  So, hope you are all off to a great year, feeling more fit.

The Break between Christmas and New Year's is always a nice one, especially when the days fall on a Friday.  We've all been out of work and school since at least 12/24.  And, tomorrow, Anna goes "back" to school (she has remote days first) and Sarah goes back to work.  So, on the 3rd day of 2021, my hopes are for the grind.  Yes, on 1/3/2021, I am thinking about getting back into the grind.  For all of us.  Anna in online school where she needs to find the motivation and inspiration.  Sarah to work, back to testing Covid patients and being on the front line of the pandemic.  Alexa has a few more days, but she will soon start her second semester at Penn.  And I will return to work on Wednesday.  May the grind not be too abrasive.... :-)

I spent a lot of time listening to children on the 2nd Day of 2021.  From golfing with Friends and their kids, to hanging out with Alexa and Anna, to Facebook videos I saw today.  1/2/2021 made me think about the future.  And how, if we adults do not mess things up to much, the future is SO bright with the kids that are on their way to be the leaders of tomorrow.  This my Hope for 2021.  My hope is that we make the right decisions so that there is a world for our children.  They are so smart, empathetic, thoughtful, caring..... they have a bright future.... if we allow them to have it.

We got Disney+ this year.  Many people did.  And one of the benefits is being able to watch all of the Star Wars Movies over again.  The classic is still the first one.  Star Wars: A New Hope.  That second part inspires me for 2021.  I finished 2020 with a lot of hopes for the future.  So, as 2020 was a look back (with hindsight), I think 2021 should be a look forward, with hope.  My 2021 Hope for 1/1/2021 is hopes for the year to come.  2020 was rough for many people.  Even people who are doing better in many aspects of their lives are still brought down by distancing (I know I am) and fears around the virus and also the political and inter-social climate that seems to exist in the US these days.  So, on the 1st day of 2021, I am going to hope that 2021 is better (I mean 2020 has left it an easy metric to meet and exceed).  I hope for all of my friends and family and even people I do not know that the coming year will bring pe...