At the end of last month, my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Five years before the turn of the century during a frosty New York City winter, my father, Canaan, and mother, Fianmy, tied the knot after approximately six months together. “When you know, you know.” They had been planning what would have been a legendary vow renewal ceremony, but as you can imagine like with everything else, COVID-19 snatched it right away. Instead, my parents opted for a small dinner and enjoyed their anniversary at home in the company of each other, recalling all the memories and adventures they’ve had in their marriage. And it might sound odd, but looking back toward the past with them made me feel like better times are ahead.

The first 2021 edition of Nonahood News makes me feel this way, too. If you noticed when you picked up your paper the first week in January, we look kind of different, right? Much thanks to Marnie, our fantastic layout designer, our new look is clean, sleek, and modern, in keeping with our innovative Nonahood. The stories in this edition are also a reflection of our leading-edge community. As the year came to a close, we witnessed exciting developments in many areas, starting with the vertiport and further expansion of the Lake Nona Town Center. This past month brought the announcement of Brooks Rehabilitation Center and the VA beginning COVID-19 vaccinations. Our Lake Nona natives made us proud on a nationwide scale: Lake Nona Youth Sports Cheer brought home a first-place National Championship trophy, and our own Narcoossee Cash became the fastest English Pointer in the country, running a 100-yard dash faster than your average Florida driver.

Taking it all into account, I don’t think it’s foolish at all to be optimistic about what’s to come in 2021. Most people don’t have high expectations, but I feel like we’re almost there, you know? After building up such resilience month after month in every aspect of our lives, we’re surely approaching a better future that does lie ahead. Let’s skip the pesky resolutions, continue to follow protocols so we get rid of the even peskier masks, and finally wave goodbye (or whichever gesture you prefer, really) to 2020. Know that 2021 will be better.