When The

Despite living a stones throw away from Times Square, neither I nor anyone else in Hells Kitchen ever wandered down on the last day of the year to watch the “Ball” drop.

It never occurred to us. The well publicized event seemed to belong to “outsiders,” those who didn’t live in midtown Manhattan.

We certainly acknowledged the clock was ticking slowly and then admitting the first moments of a New Year. All the traditional festivities were observed but from a respectful distance away from the throngs and crowds infesting our city.

Still it was a moment of expectation. A new year, a new beginning, a time of anticipation, and I hope it will be so this December 31st.

However, I am concerned that the normal expectations of better days may be overshadowed by the reality that the worst has not yet ended.

I would like to hope when the ball falls and 2021 is announced, we view it with not expectation but hope.

A hope that we will survive the doom and gloom that seemed to embrace 2020, not only with Covid, but the political angst that permeated the country.

Possibly the onus falls on the people this coming year. Possibly, we must realistically view our options in dealing not only with the dreaded virus, but with maintaining a fair outlook on the newly elected administration.

That didn’t happen four years ago, but Americans can choose the higher road this coming year.

We can begin to form our own opinions rather than rely on voices emanating from TV screens or social media. We can decide the best way to combat exposure to Covid and set our own protocols.

When the bell rings and announces we have begun a new year, we can also begin to remember our own choices not only for survival but a renewed optimism.

And recall the words, In God We Trust.