As we come to the end of the calendar year 2020, I am thinking of the stories I will tell my granddaughter, Symphony, about the year she was born.

In spite of all of the legitimate heartache she will hear about (and we must never forget): the people who were lost to COVID19, the continued killing of black and brown people by a racist justice system, a narcissistic president who acts recklessly and his power hungry following, a pandemic that cost us so much . . . out of all of this suffering, goodness and beauty still prevail. 

I want Symphony to know that the year that she entered this world was a hard one. But it was also a time for many of us, when our priorities shifted, our hearts softened, and our vulnerability helped us become agents of transformation for a better tomorrow. 

In 2020 we recognize that each day is precious and that even in our saddest and most frightened moments, we are never alone. The best of who we are emerges through community. When we work together to recognize and repair harm, we build bridges and heal brokenness that paves the way for true peace with justice.

When Symphony’s voice sung into the night on Dec. 5, 2020, it joined with voices of resilience that draw on the strength of those who came before us. She was born into a world that surrounds and covers her with love. Her life matters. Her dreams matter. Her purpose matters. Symphony’s very birth brings a new spirit of joy that leaves an imprint on my heart and in this world as we close out this year. 

And friend, if you are reading this, your presence in this world also leaves an imprint of loving kindness on 2020. Thank you for who you are and for making this a year worth remembering.