Can I tell you a secret?
I didn't hate 2020.
I'm just not sure if I'm allowed to say that out loud. It seems wildly unpopular and weirdly insensitive to have liked - or even loved - the past twelve months of life. I mean, is it "okay" to have reflective affection for a year to which the world seemed to have bid a collective good riddance (for good reason)? I don't know if it is. But I do know that I do. And that I can tell you exactly why.
There is no denying that the shadow cast by the pandemic, political and racial unrest, and economic crisis looms large over any look-back on 2020. In profound, frequent, and sustained ways, we felt sick and shattered. But to let the buds and blooms that broke through in those 12 months wither beneath that darkness would be tragic. They deserve illumination.
At the start of the year, amazing corporate champions of children joined us to beautify spaces of learning and healing. When coronavirus ground daily life to a halt, we were able to provide life-sustaining outreach - from groceries to tutoring - to our most vulnerable families. As it became clear that in-person events would be months away, we engaged literary and "royal" dignitaries to inspire and delight our young warriors with virtual surprises. We powered up the comprehensive strategy of Mkakati, the newest branch of our business. And, when we could do so safely, we resumed our hallmark impact initiative: the clubhouse build.
In fact, we closed 2020 with one of our most moving and memorable builds yet. Our little friend, Izzy Bondell, has been in an intense battle with a stage 4 Wilms tumor diagnosed last summer. Since then, this five year-old has endured chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and the fearsome complications of infection. Through it all, Izzy has shown the strength of a giant - but she is still just a kid. And she needed the freedom to resume acting like one.
On December 8, the "elves" of Salon Alexandria in Mount Pleasant showed up in traditional workshop wear to construct a special space for Izzy. This was the salon's holiday party, so it was only appropriate that the hard work was hugged by festive music, snacks, and hot chocolate. A couple KLH and Alexandria kids were on hand to help deck Izzy's new halls and, of course, SANTA stopped by to make sure the handcraft and merrymaking were up to snuff (they were).
Each clubhouse - and the play that happens within it - signals an intense light of good where we may have forgotten good was still growing. It reveals what I couldn't (and we shouldn't) keep a secret: joy is a counterbalance to, not a casualty of, pain. And where we find it, we should accept it, be thankful for it, and acknowledge it.
Yes, even in that year.
