2020- Ctrl-Alt-Delete
January 2020 started like most. Reflections on the past year, projections for the new year, as well as a few ideas on what might go wrong. We were working on the best way to celebrate our 20th year in business while crafting a proper way to pun “20 in 2020.” All the while, we were unaware someone started to let the air out of the airbags.
The slow-moving, life altering change train arrived in mid-March. We sat there looking at each other saying, “Where in the heck would I get a mask?” or “What the heck is a mask”? After staying home for weeks, we watched pent up frustration turn into social unrest. Differing viewpoints on the cause, justification and purpose added to our stress. Life was entirely upended.
Out of necessity, we changed the way we ate, traveled and communicated. Our life had been drastically changed in a few short weeks. Nine months ago, I had never heard of Zoom. We adapted and modified our relationships, finances and our outlook. We lost friends, loved ones, schooling and our sense of control. Each person was considered a threat when walking in public, either out of respect or out of fear.
Over the past few months, we seemed to find a way to cope. Now the vaccine is being rolled out, so glimmers of hope are starting to shine through the fog. We are in the same storm but in different boats. Some are in cruise ships, others in yachts and some are in a small junk or life raft. Others drowned. It’s important that we still reach out to everyone, regardless of how they seem to be coping, and lift them up.
I posed to employees what stories they would like to convey and here are a few replies:
Hannah-
Being away from my family in Northern California has made me realize the importance of staying connected. My grandparents would host Sunday night dinner every week where we shared food, drinks and lots of laughs. We now host chaotic Zoom calls to celebrate birthdays and holidays and also manage to keep our family group chat alive with plenty of memes.
After recently starting at Allen Trust Company at the end of August, I am beyond grateful to have a new family that I am able to learn from every single day.
Carrie-
During the time the summer wildfires were burning across Oregon, one of our clients was forced to evacuate from their ranch. Allen Trust Company worked with their legal guardian to move her and her three dogs to a hotel in Lake Oswego where she was looked after by her caregivers until it was safe to go home.
Carol-
2020 will be a year that I always remember not only for the usual challenges faced by most of us, but on a happier note, the year we purchased our first Portland home!
Having lived in the Rose City for over a decade, our dear landlord finally acquiesced and offered to sell us the home that had been in his family since 1930. Both of our children, their spouses, three grandchildren and my mother live in Portland. We feel fortunate beyond belief to be able to enjoy our family in Portland…now in our new home.
Parker-
On Thanksgiving, I put together snack bags and drove around the city to find people in need of a Thanksgiving meal. I was able to meet some friendly individuals who are living in unfortunate places, but I am grateful for the smiles it brought to their faces.
Tara-
For me, my story is personal. Early on, one of my best friends’ husband was hospitalized and on a ventilator with Covid. She, of course, subsequently came down with it. While she was not hospitalized, she reported that she often felt like she should have been.
During this time our group of friends organized, dropped off meals and made sure they had everything they needed while quarantined. Months later she is still dealing with the after affects, breathing issues, that may ultimately be life-long.
Kate-
I come from a large, close-knit Midwest family, so it has been hard to miss summertime and holiday gatherings. But the whole family quickly became adept at regular Zoom calls as a way to stay in touch. In the process, our random texts and emails have increased, too – whether for a graduation live stream link, a college basketball score, or just the latest goofy meme.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!