To the Editor:

It goes without saying that most of year 2020 has been very challenging at the least. From the onset of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in early February, our lives have been in turmoil never experienced before. Wearing of facemasks, washing hands frequently and social distancing became the norm as we left our abodes and ventured with limitations for necessary and essential needs to survive.

So here we are with millions of positive cases in the United States and the loss of 350K+ in deaths. Infliction of great sorrow, deep depression and instability has found its way into our homes and personal lives with often bleak forecasts for our futures.

Going to the movie theater, inside dining, in-house personal banking, in-house entertainment to name just a few, are “normal things” that most of us enjoyed doing daily, weekly or once in a while that were often utilized to enhance our lives as a whole.

All this is difficult and hard to accept and deal with, but to have additional strain put upon each of us with the outcome of the National Election, senseless killings, rhetoric caused by demonstrators destroying personal property and so on.

What about essential workers? How often does one thank doctors, nurses, store clerks, highway workers, EMT’s, fire & police, telephone and electric linemen, food service workers, garbage collectors and the immense multitude of people who perform services to others who solely depend upon those providers in our way of life? Yes! 2020 has been an exceptionally challenging, trying and difficult year for everyone, including you.

In past holiday seasons, we’ve sent out to friends and acquaintances hundreds of holiday greetings cards, wishing them well, being safe and enjoying precious moments with family, friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, this holiday season we’re a bit financially strapped; however, please accept our best wishes through this electronic email for a healthy, safe and when you’re not wearing a facemask, displaying a big smile upon your face. God knows, this world needs people to be kind to one another and a bright smiling face is a good beginning.

“Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year 2021 from our home to your home.”

Nancy A. & Henry W. Walters

Potsdam