I would like to start off by saying thank you to those of you who read this column. It’s hard to believe I started writing it back in September 2015. I also want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New year. By the time you read this, we will be days short of kicking 2020 to the curb. What a year. After setting my clock ahead an hour back in March, I felt like I had entered the Twilight Zone.

Marc Hoover.

So let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. It all started with some mysterious illness called the coronavirus. Like most of my fellow Americans, I didn’t take it too seriously. But then who can take an illness that sounds like a beer too seriously? The next thing I knew, my previous employer laid me off. I then discovered I couldn’t find any toilet paper, paper towels or hand sanitizer. Who would have thought 2020 would have hosted a scavenger hunt for water and paper products? I even began wearing a mask. And it wasn’t even Halloween!

This year is unlike anything I have ever seen. What can you compare this year to? Additionally, did you ever expect to see a professional football or baseball game with no fans in the stadium? Or did you even realize you would see the day when you couldn’t eat in your favorite restaurant or walk into a bank without wearing a mask? Typically, if you wear a mask into a bank, you can expect trouble. But not in 2020.

We have also had much rioting and protesting that has left many people dead. And to add more gasoline to the fire, we had an election that divided Americans unlike any other presidential campaign I can remember.

All I can say is that it’s been one hell of a year. And I don’t mean that in a good way. Besides, it hasn’t all been bad. As a nation, 2020 has brought many of us together and strengthened us. We have definitely learned to make do with less and decide what’s most important to us. We now realize we can make it without movies, sports, concerts or dining out.

And if you are someone who leans on his or her faith, you probably had to dig a little deeper into your heart for inner strength. Regardless of your beliefs, if it got you through another day, it was effective.

This year reminded me of what’s most important in my life. I value friendship, love, family, God, and living in this country. Many of us have forgotten what’s most important. So, what’s most important in your life? Do you even know? Have you ever asked yourself? If not, maybe you should.

What are your plans for 2021? Whenever I ask anyone that question, they say they want 2020 to go away. Some of you are probably reading this and saying, “what do I have to look forward to?” If you don’t know, let me tell you. The year 2021 brings another year of life. It’s another day for you to go out and make things better for yourself and those you love. It’s another day to forgive those who have wronged you and to move on from your terrible relationships, toxic people and those who steal your joy. We have all had a rough year, but we will survive and make the best of it. No one is tougher than an American with his or her back to a wall. Stay safe, spend time with those who love you and have an amazing holiday!

Marc is a longtime resident of Clermont County and an avid reader. Contact him through his website at www.themarcabe.com or through Facebook: www.Facebook.com/themarcabe or his Twitter account @themarcabe. Marc also has a podcast called Catch my Killer where he interviews family members seeking justice for their murdered loved ones. You can listen at www.catchmykiller.com.