In early January, my wife and I were stepping back into JFK airport - after spending nearly 10 days in the Swiss Alps. We had a chance to explore incredible little towns, sleep in some unique accommodations and had a blast with friends and family.
Switzerland, 2019
Little did we know that it would be our last international trip for a very long time.
When March arrived and the news of the pandemic accelerated, New York and New Jersey were one of the first few states to implement strict measures - including curfews and a ban on non-essential businesses. Being naive, I thought that the pandemic would be over by the summer and that we’d be able to travel and explore the world.
As of this writing - that seems like a lifetime away.
But, it’s inevitable. We’ll return to the basics - the ability to go to a bar to grab a drink, the ability to gather with friends and family, the safety of celebrating milestones - big and and small. And most importantly - the ability to live in a world that has been rocked by this pandemic.
We take a lot of things for granted - shaking hands, hugging friends, meeting new people, etc. None of that has happened in the last few months - but through pure force and drive - we’ve been able to maintain relationships. We’ve been able to see people grow, friendships evolve, and businesses give it their all to make an impact.
The things we used to take for granted - commuting to work, conference calls, package deliveries, medical personnel and even food delivery - will always and forever change because of this. It’s a shift unlike any other.
But, change is good.
New York City, 2020
I was able to earn three FAA licenses, focus on building a kick-ass team and most importantly - bring a baby boy into this world.
Yes, it has been challenging. Yes, the world has suffered. Yes, the mental pressure is absolutely insane. But, we’ll get through this. Because years like this - hopefully - only happen once in a lifetime.
New Jersey, 2020