2020 was a year like no other, but there’s a lot to be thankful for

The year 2020 may perhaps be remembered as one of the most unexpected in U.S. history.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way most of us do about everything in our lives (or don’t do), there have been peaceful protests in our streets demanding equality, rioting by some who take advantage of situations, and a presidential election like none other in modern times.

But yet, as we prepare to turn the calendar to 2021, there is a lot to be thankful for during these troubling days. So many can’t wait until 2020 is behind us. That’s easy to understand. But will all of our problems be solved at the stroke of midnight the morning Jan. 1, 2021? Only in a fantasy world would that be true. But if we don’t learn from our mistakes, our problems will go deep into 2021.

I prefer to see the positives from all that happened this year. I’ll start with how the DAR survived 2020 and the financial hardships felt by many. The newspaper was hit hard like many businesses and individuals. We were (and still are) concerned about the future. Things aren’t back to normal by any means, but there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It seems to be getting brighter every day.

The DAR was forced to make some tough decisions the past nine or 10 months in order to remain strong and continue to bring you the news you’ve become accustomed to. The staff did what was necessary and appropriate to get through these troubling times. The true test of character isn’t how you act during good times. It’s how you act — and react — during difficult times. I couldn’t be more proud of what the DAR’s staff has accomplished this year.

The same could be said for many businesses in Poplar Bluff and our area. Our advertising staff, manager Christy Pierce and sales rep Stacie McElhaney, have shared many stories about how tough this pandemic has been on our business community. Owning a small business during good times isn’t easy. When you throw in a pandemic, financial hardships are lurking just around the corner if things don’t improve. It’s impressive how local businesses have maneuvered their way through 2020 and remained open.

The DAR applauds the local business community and we encourage everyone to remember how important it is to shop local and support these businesses.

While the political landscape has exploded in many parts of the country, our area has done a remarkable job of staying calm during some turbulent times. Though there were reports of presidential political signs being stolen or destroyed in the days leading up to the election, this was minor compared to many other parts of the country.

This past year has caused us to take a step back and re-evaluate our priorities. Many of us have looked at our finances through a different prism. Some have learned what is really important in their lives. Unfortunately, 2020’s problems are going to be with us for a portion of 2021. The good thing is, we’re much better prepared to know how to deal with those issues.

Thank you to all the essential workers in our community who sacrifice daily to keep us safe and help us deal with the pandemic. Here’s to a smooth rollout of the coronavirus vaccine. And thank you for reading the DAR and making it a part of your lives.

Chris is the publisher of the Daily American Republic and can be reached at cpruett.dar@gmail.com.