As this "annus horribilis maximus," known as 2020, is finally drawing to a close, here's hoping that 2021 will be a better year for everyone. 

First there were the locust swarms that destroyed vital crops and threatened the food supply of millions in Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. 

After the locusts, came the heart-breaking Australian wildfires that devastated humans and animals alike. And here in the USA, social and political turmoil sadly marked the majority of the year. But that wasn't all...

2020 still had a surprise for us - a global pandemic. People fighting for toilet paper, hoarding hand sanitizer and other unbelievable, almost dystopian stuff happened this year. Covid-19 has crippled healthcare systems, economies and the livelihoods of millions around the world. Travel, restaurant & other service industries have been hit particularly hard. Healthcare workers on the front-line are suffering from shortage of staffing, lack of equipment and in many cases, burnout. As bad as everything was/is, I think many of us are hopeful that 2021 will bring renewed confidence and a brighter future for us all. In the meantime, stay safe, stay strong my friends. Wherever you are, just keep doing your best.