Opinion

The year 2020 is now over and is in the rear-view mirror. What a year it was; like nothing I have ever experienced and hope our great nation nor our beautiful planet ever has to endure again. This year went out with a bang, literally and figuratively and that is why there was almost no article this week. I joined thousands of Americans who had lost internet access, supposedly from an early morning bomb blast in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Fortunately, the internet was restored and I can wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Just in time for the holidays, the concept of the mondegreen reared its comical head. No, I’m not talking about the traditional holiday greenery that you decorate with at this time of year.

If you have read my column, you know that I write about where I am in life and what is on my heart and mind at the time I sit down to write. This week we celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.

Though the state moved down a spot in the rankings, Louisiana’s toxic legal climate earned it the No. 5 spot among the nation’s “Judicial Hellholes.” It’s the eighth year in a row the Bayou State has graced the list of hellholes, deemed the most unjust local courts and state civil justice systems in the country.

Among all the negativity, all the divisiveness and all of the lack of respect for our fellow man, it’s time to take a time out and reflect on what is truly precious to us. The era of the cynic is among us and it is contagious if we allow this to influence our lives. Instead of thinking the glass is half empty, instead of wringing our hands in anguish and instead of declaring the nation is lost we need to reflect on what is truly important and be thankful for the many blessings we truly have.

Ifyou can get past the bad segue that introduces the story, a recent “CBS Sunday Morning” broadcast had an interesting take on pet peeves. I’m beginning to look at them differently.

Louisiana has always been a “free and easy” state when it comes to drinkingand driving. Visitors are dumbfounded when they see drive-through Daiquiri shops across the state. Just as prevalent are the drive through liquor stores that punctuate the Bayou State.

Over the years this story of the Three Wise Men has been expanded and embellished to depict an even more historical event that provides more detail than the Bible to the men This is not in conflict in any way to the Biblical interpretation but gives us an even better understanding of the men that came to worship Christ as an infant.

I can’t believe 2020 is finally almost over. I don’t know about you, but when I look back at everything that happened in 2020 and how much things have changed in just one year, I am amazed and a bit scared at the same time.

With over 40 years in healthcare, I have witnessed many challenging times. I do not think anything matches the pandemic that we are currently encountering. I’m a baby boomer and I must admit, we are not accustomed to sacrifices like the generation before us encountered. It is the time for all in our community to work together to aide our neighbor and friend in fighting this disease.