People’s Most Memorable Moments in 2020
Good or bad, 2020 is the year we would not forget for a long while. As the tumultuous year coming to an end, I have asked people for their most memorable moments in 2020. These are accounts of those around me, mostly in New York or Japan, and in no way comprehensive or definitive. However, I believe they would show us the unique snapshots of the year that would stand out from the others which often meddle together.
First of all, we cannot talk about this year without mentioning the big C.
“My most memorable moment was when I received the positive result of COVID-19 diagnostic test. Being in the service industry, I had been taking the test every two weeks as directed by my company. The positive result meant the shutdown of our business until determined safe to provide the service again. I still remember the moment vividly. It was the August morning in my bathroom. When I saw the word positive on my phone screen, the thought of not telling my boss crossed my mind for a moment. In the end, however, my conscience overcame the self-protection and I am glad it did.”
And here is the most memorable moment of the business manager who works with the person from the last story.
“The first thing that comes to mind is when my coworker told me that he received the positive result of COVID-19 diagnostic test. When I checked my phone in the morning, I had three missed calls from my coworker. It is less common to receive calls these days, so I instantly knew something went wrong. When he told me about the result, so many things flashed through my mind. Yet, the only things that came out of my mouth were ‘It’s OK. Calm down. Everything will be all right.’ That was the moment I realized this pandemic truly was not something happening outside our bubble. This year has also taught me that the perception of this pandemic and the reaction to it is so different from person to person. I have learned to accept their opinions in hopes of them accepting mine.”
Here are some of the accounts from Japan.
“I was walking down the street of Nihonbashi in April. Nihonbashi being a metropolitan area in Tokyo, there would be so many pedestrians on the street in normal circumstances. Yet, under the broad daylight, I was the only one walking. I felt like a character in a movie or something where everyone but me has disappeared. It hit me hard to witness something I took for granted has changed so drastically.”
“My most memorable moment of this year was giving birth to my second son. I live close to Tokyo and my hospital restriction was strict, being a general hospital that would also accept COVID-19 patients. None of my family was allowed to be there with me or even visit afterward. I had anticipated to be lonely, yet the midwife and the nurses were so warm and helpful. I felt very welcomed. I gave birth to a 3448g baby boy on October 14th. I have nothing but gratitude towards the hospital workers.”
For business owners, it has been an exceptionally challenging year.
“I own a hair salon in Brooklyn and my most memorable moment was when I have decided to temporarily close my business. I had been paying close attention to the pandemic seemingly inching closer and closer. Finally, that day in March, my landlord informed me that our building resident was determined as close contact with someone contracted COVID-19. It was not yet clear if the person had the virus, but I did not feel right to welcome my customers and possibly expose them to the danger. It was a tough decision to suspend my business. Fortunately, we were able to restart our service in mid-June. Since that day in March, however, I have been in survival mode not to shut down my business completely. There was not a day I could spend without worrying about my business and employees. My life has completely changed from that day.”
The pandemic impacted kids as well. Here is the recount of the 11-year-old son of the person from the last story.
“I cannot forget the day my mom came back from work, sat me and my little sister down, and told us there would be no school tomorrow. I could not comprehend it. What do you mean there is no school? My mom seemed exceptionally serious. I would not forget that moment for a long time.”
Yet, here is a hopeful story that things are slowly getting back to normal.
“I am a filmmaker and had been working on a new project for a while. We had to pause the shooting earlier this year because of the pandemic. It had been a tough year for me. A few months ago, however, we could finally come back to the set. It felt great to work with the committed actors and crews, discuss the project, and enjoy the process again. I was glad to have something I could look forward to.” (his film is anticipated to come out next year.)
But then, we should never forget that our lives are steadily moving forward even with the seemingly big pause cast by the pandemic. Here are some of the good and challenging episodes from their regular lives.
“My most memorable moment of this year was when I quit my job in early March. It had nothing to do with the pandemic. I had been hired for this job totally outside my field at a very unfamiliar workplace. It was tough to catch up with the new work. My colleague who oversaw my work was not helpful at all, giving harsh comments and making obscene jokes with others. One day, I just could not take it anymore and started crying. Realizing his own wronging, he apologized profusely. Soon later, I had decided to quit the job. The place was just not for me. On my last day, while I was not expecting anything, he approached and gave me a formal farewell. I do not regret quitting, but I now can see he was not all bad even with his troubling attitude.”
“I have recently started fostering two Corgis. It was very exciting as I had dreamed of having dogs for so long. A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I took the dogs to the nearby park. When we were at the park, it started snowing. I thought nothing of it. Then, it turned into a snowstorm. On our way back, the older dog stopped walking, so my boyfriend carried him. Then, the younger one stepped on salt sprinkled on the street. So, I had to carry him. The snow had become so violent and the dogs were very heavy. It took us a long time to get back to our apartment. I felt miserable and scared that a peaceful afternoon could turn into such a tough time so quickly. Quite strangely, that moment left the strongest impression on me.”
“I married last spring. She is Korean and we had been waiting for our green card interview. Over time, I became closer to her family in Korea. Her sister once contacted me to ask for English lessons. I agreed. She created a Facebook account and send me a friend request. When my wife saw her picture, she yelled, ‘but she’s not prettier than me!’ It was a definitive moment that showed me her relationship with her family and her deeply ingrained insecurity. She is outspoken and could really use a filter, but her secret delicate side was what made me fall in love with her. We had the interview last week and got approved. That gave a great ending to this tough year and I am thrilled about our future together.”
“My most memorable moment this year was when my cat Chelsea passed away. I met her 18years ago when I had just moved to New York City. I felt very isolated in a foreign city, but her existence had consoled me and made me grow. She was friendly to everyone as I welcomed the second, the third cat, then a dog over time. I was prepared to say good-bye for the last few years, but also hoped she would be here a little longer. The day before her death, I managed to snap a photo of her with all the other cats and the dog together, which was very rare. It felt as if they all knew her departure. I still cannot believe my beloved little cat is gone but would like to take it as a sign that Chelsea’s spirit is still with us.”
“My daughter is turning three next February. She is the only kid and quite shy in front of other people. During the lockdown, we became closer to this neighborhood family with a young son. He is a little older than my daughter and very social. He always talked to her even though she was not responsive at all. Then one day, she initiated a conversation with him out of nowhere. My husband and I were shocked with joy. Since then, she had become very friendly to other people. It was a great moment to witness my daughter gradually yet surely growing up.”
When was your most memorable moment in 2020? Let’s hope the new year will bring more joyful moments. Thank you to everyone who participated in this essay.
