2020…GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!!
A LOOK BACK ON A TOUGH YEAR
They say hindsight is 20/20, and can I just say that Im thankful that 2020 is indeed behind us!! For the wedding industry, 2020 was a complete disaster with the pandemic and lockdowns affecting venues, vendors, couples and their families, and especially the small communities where I work here in SW Colorado. The season actually started great and dozens of bookings were lined up and deposits were paid. Then all hell broke loose across the world, and couples began to look at their options. After a few weeks it became apparent that the majority of my clients were going to postpone or cancel their events. I was sad that those weddings and parties were called off, but as the death toll rose it was clear the decision was correct. Dealing with the pandemic at weddings was a challenge.
It was not until mid May that Jared Polis, the Governor of Colorado, decided to open venues to events less than 50 people indoors and 125 people outdoors. This small development saved about 40% of my business for 2020. It was still a horrible year financially, and in general, but to be able to keep the lights on was a blessing. As the summer progressed, a few of my 2020 clients had decided to postpone and not cancel their events. This was also a relief. It allowed me to move their deposits and look forward to better times, or so I thought. 2021 had its own challenges, but more on that later.
My feeling early on was fear. It was fear that my business would collapse. I feared I would lose family members and friends. I was afraid that I might be vulnerable. Im incredibly blessed that, so far, none of those fears have come to fruition. Im cautious to proclaim any victory over this damn virus, though. The goal posts have moved way too many times to think its over, even now in 2022.
During the summer of 2020, I was testing every week to ensure my family would be safe. Because I have lots of contact with my parents, it was important for me to insulate them as best I could. I was also attempting to honor my clients, as my desire to be a SuperSpreader was, and still is, ZERO. The constant distancing, testing, waiting for results, and weekly reset of the cycle was a very stressful endeavor. Testing was in rather short supply back then, and I was paying $40 per test when I could find one. Sometimes I drove over an hour each way to get tested. With the advent of the rapid antigen tests, I was able to avoid much of this hassle. At events, I would wear N95 masks indoors, or keep a perimeter rope around my booth outdoors to keep drunk guests from shouting in my face. Hopefully, it was not all done in vain.
I likely will never know if I actually saved any lives, but I have yet to test positive for this forsaken virus. Really, it’s a miracle. Considering I was DJing indoors over the course of two summers…dozens of events….thousands of people in total attendance. If anyone was susceptible, it was me!!! So, now I remain vigilant and wear an N95 mask when asked to. I rapid test if I feel off at all. I was vaccinated early on and hopefully it keeps me protected from severe illness. It’s still hard for me to believe that I haven’t gotten sick yet. Perhaps I am lucky enough to be asymptomatic, but that is also something I may never know.
One thing that was apparent in that summer of 2020 was that when people worked together, these weddings could still take place. People could gather outdoors; numbers could stay low enough to remain manageable; masks were somewhat effective for indoor gatherings. While the world was reeling, the events I worked that summer showed happy friends and family sharing the best parts of their lives. The smiles and dance parties were always a welcome sight after dealing with the stress and fear of lockdowns coupled with the strain of keeping my family and clients safe. Through it all, the wedding season of 2020 was great for my well being. I had goals, I was getting out more, and I got contact with people (Thank baby Jesus!!). While there were so many uncertainties, I could rely on the great feelings that a wedding creates for all involved.
2020 is now ‘the year that will not be named’ when it comes up in my conversations. The lessons I learned that year about my own character, my business, and the world in general will be profound in my life moving forward. My business, my loved ones, and my beloved home town are still alive. I will take all the lessons and blessings forward for the rest of my days.
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#pandemicproblems
#blessed
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