Back in March, 2020 was the year
Marielle and I traveled to celebrate her birthday cheer
But we found ourselves, ear to the news
Closing down the state?
Governor Baker was wrestling with what to choose

We went down to the hotel bar
Mapped out a plan that we thought wouldn’t need go far
I sent a note to the coaches with a possible plan
What shall we do?
With a heavy heart, starting Tuesday, the door of the gym must slam

With heavy hearts, shutting it down was what we had to do
For how long no one really knew
One month? Two? It can’t be much more
Well, three and a half months
Of sadness, Zoom and an internal comp we were forced to explore

Finally on July 6 we could open up inside
With so many rules that we were asked to abide
We reshaped the gym and put down cones on the floor
These lanes seem small,
Turns out a swipe of the foot easily expands the box more

And so negotiate through mass.gov and Baker’s pressers
I find myself seemingly cranky in class with all of its stressors
But your patience has been noticed and extended with grace
Notes and emails,
They’ve carried me through this challenging space

Now only three more days until the arrival of jolly old St Nick
A few presents under the tree I wish that we could pick
Maybe a new barbell, high five or even a dumbbell weight!
Well, not sure the use of the latter
For dropped on high will be their soon to be broken fate

And so a new direction my dreams must go
Perhaps Saint Nick will provide a nice, white snow
To be enjoyed with my wife, kids and our new dog
I think I see it falling!
Oh wait, nope, that’s just Vanessa’s chalk creating a fog

0 for 2 on the wishes up until this time and place
It seems 2020 continues to rear it’s ugly face
The COVID cheer continues to drip with such love
Sarcasm noted
COVID and love have not fit hand in glove

But as I continue to think I realize not a wish do I need
For I have a place and a family whose support continues to lead
Me through a time that certainly I hope will soon pass
And if not
You know that 2020 can be stuck right up it’s…..sunny skies

As you all spend some time, whether with many or few
I hope that you can all receive what I have been given from you
A lot of smiles, encouragements and care
It’s been gold for me
And for you I hope that you will experience its pick me up flair

A happy holiday I wish to you all
May it bring love, joy and peace in amounts both big and small.