NWA EDITORIAL: The ways we were

When, in the latter part of the year, discussions turn toward the inevitable look back and gazing forward to a new calendar, this chatterbox world we're in will debate what 2020 was the year of.

The Year of Covid-19 will be the natural contender, probably with a significant lead over the others.

But not so fast. There's competition for the title, to be sure, some of it related to the coronavirus and some not.

The Year of the Mask?

The Year of Black Lives Finally Mattered Enough?

The Year of the Vacant Pedestal?

The Year of Trump? The Year of Biden?

The Year Without Sports? We're going to keep hoping that one won't hold up.

We'd say one contender might be The Year People Realized What They've Taken for Granted.

That covers a lot of territory. Many Arkansans have embraced this time of distancing and quasi-isolation to get out on trails, rivers or lakes in The Natural State. In a sense, many of the state's abundant natural offerings have been rediscovered or introduced to a whole new generation.

Many have a much better appreciation of employment, whether they were left without work or just knew someone who was in the middle of this pandemic. We've gained new appreciation for face-to-face discussions because the digital versions are great, but not the same as direct interaction.

And with announcements like Tuesday's Walton Arts Center revelation that all Broadway shows and performances expected to draw more than 200 people won't happen in 2020 provides a reminder of how much live performances add to our quality of life in Northwest Arkansas.

We can't say 2020 will be considered a Year Without Art, because as artists do, many have used these uncertain times as inspiration. But a lot of performances and exhibits simply won't happen this year.

Are we saying such challenges are insurmountable? Not in the least. But it's worth recognizing how much what we're missing is truly missed.

It's said that gratitude turns what we have into enough. Does recognizing the value of something and wanting it back qualify as gratitude, too?

Here's hoping 2021 will be The Year of the Vaccine. Let's also hope it's a year in which we get back the great things covid-19 has taken and inspire gratitude for their return.