I Will Never Forget 2020
There are so many monumental moments in life that become a part of history: D-Day, the Spanish flu, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, 911, the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the AIDS crisis, the first African American President, a contentious political climate, the Great Depression and now the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, the anticipated vaccines will help us control the virus and find a new level of normalcy. However, I fear that some of the changes we thought were temporary will become permanent.
2020 had so much turmoil and so many lives were affected adversely. George Floyd’s death led to civil rights protests. The pandemic caused thousands of people to become ill, die, lose their jobs, lose their houses and lose their businesses. Families have been isolated from relatives usually seen on holidays. Our citizens have been quarantined and businesses have changed to remote operations. Courts hold hearings via Zoom and Bexar County has had two jury trials in civil cases via Zoom.
The practice of law has certainly changed. Our office closed twice because of COVID-19 exposures. Even when precautions are taken, a virus can disrupt the safest locations. Duarte & Molina, P.C. has adapted to conference calls, Zoom meetings, depositions, hearings and court appearances. The attorneys and staff have managed to confer with clients, witnesses and third parties remotely. Duarte & Molina, P.C. has updated the office’s technology and safety protocols so clients can obtain the best possible legal representation under our current conditions.
Personally, life has changed because of remote operations, quarantines and even battles with “the COVID.” Everyone I know has been affected by the pandemic on a personal level. Our friends, families and colleagues have suffered some sort of tragedy during the pandemic. That should cause us all to reflect about what is really important. Certainly, we can all appreciate our family and friends more than before. We can appreciate the ability to travel and congregate without restriction. We can appreciate our going to places of religious worship without fear of contracting a virus. Most of us can take stock in the fact that we have jobs that allow us to pay our bills, secure housing for our families and put food on the table. Some of us have been able to weather the storm because we had the ability to see a doctor, obtain medications and fight illness in the security of our homes.
But 2020 has also provided an opportunity for us to see that many in our communities and families are not so lucky. Last week, it was reported that 55% of families in America are now asking for assistance from food pantries. It is a tragic fact to consider that 55% of American families do not know where to get their next meal. If we follow the dominoes, we will see that many of our neighbors elect to eat and forego buying medicine. Some families are forced to buy food instead of paying the utility bills. While residential foreclosures and evictions have been temporarily halted, a day will come when members of our communities will be forced out of their homes.
Duarte & Molina, P.C. is contributing to the San Antonio Children’s Shelter. Lawyers in our office are individually contributing to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, the San Antonio Food Bank, different scholarship funds to help with education costs, Goodwill and other charities. As a community, I know we can all find a way to help our neighbors. Not everyone has an extra dollar to donate. Not everyone has items at home to donate to charity. Not everyone has a schedule that allows donating time at the different charities. But most of us have a way to give back to our community. I know I rely on my family, my staff and my friends to accomplish my goals. I know that if clients, customers, patients or patrons do not secure counseling or treatment, purchase goods or obtain other professional services, different businesses will fail. Our communities have suffered many financial losses and many businesses, clinics, law offices, restaurants and bars have closed. As a personal gesture, it is important for me to give back to the community that has blessed me in so many ways. As a practical matter, it is important for us to help our neighbors and patronize local businesses to prevent further losses in our community. I won’t forget 2020 because of what it has cost people worldwide. I won’t forget 2020 because it will be the year I reached out more to help my neighbors. I hope 2020 will not be forgotten by many because it will be the year that they remember someone helped them before they hit rock bottom.
With this reflection on 2020, I look forward to 2021 being the year we came back from political, social, financial, medical and personal hardships. I hope 2021 is the year that was better than 2020 for each of you who took the time to read a few words from a grateful member of your community.