We all have been trying to hang on since this pandemic that has caused so much death and economic calamity.

Life isn’t how we envisioned it would be. We aim to make it through each day with the goal to stay away from the virus that has taken so many loved ones. Some of us are dealing with depression, job loss or another misfortune. It isn’t all doom and gloom though. Moments of hope are there if one looks hard enough.

Recently I was walking my dog at John Rudy County Park in York when I stopped to sit on a bench. I looked around and noticed a single leaf hanging on a tree. Wow, I thought that is one persistent leaf. I told it to stay there until I went home to get my other dog and my phone. Time on my Apple Watch said 1:55 p.m. No, I don’t normally talk to trees. I thought it would make a good photo for this column.

When I returned, the leaf was still there. Yes!

Against all odds, it has persevered and can proudly claim it was the last one to fall.

If that leaf can weather the storms life throws at it, so can we.

Besides great exercise, walking at the park provides me an escape from the noise of city life, which I love. It is not as quiet as it used to be because there is construction nearby. My dogs love going there. Both have smiles on their faces as they take in the smells. It brings me happiness to provide them with what they love.

What do you love? I love my family, dogs and news. Picturing my life without doing what I am passionate about is something I don’t want to think about. Too painful.

The year 2022 is almost here. It is a chance to start again. The virus is still here, and likely will not be going away soon. Protect yourself. Wear a mask. Visit a doctor if you feel sick. Social distance. We can get through this together if we continue to care about one another.