I firmly believe that 2020 just needs to end. Right now. I’ve never been one to wish my life away, but I’d have gladly skipped over most of the past year. However, I’m an optimist, so I’ve got high hopes that 2021 will turn things around.

What won’t I miss about 2020? Where should I start?

I won’t miss the toilet paper shortage. When I’d heard people were hoarding it, I thought it was a joke. Unfortunately I discovered it was true when my household’s supply was running low and I tried to find some. Anywhere. My husband was finally lucky enough to score a multipack early one morning. Unfortunately it was one-ply, but beggars can’t be choosers. I can’t believe they even sell the stuff; who in the world makes a conscious decision to buy one-ply toilet paper?

I won’t miss wearing a mask. I’m claustrophobic, and every time I put one on, I immediately feel like it’s hard to breathe. I know it’s mostly in my head, but it makes me really glad that I work from home and don’t have to wear one on a regular basis.

I won’t miss the constant politics, although the way it’s going that might never end. I’m concerned about the censorship from the media, including social media, which only tells one side of the story. I’m worried about the division in our country, which has always been there to some extent but never so blatantly. Is there even a way we can ever come together again?

I won’t miss the rioting and looting and burning down of our cities, or the hatred toward law enforcement. What’s happened to our country? Destruction solves nothing. It doesn’t feel like we’re even living in America anymore.

I won’t miss worrying about my pets. I was sure I was going to lose my 17-year-old Jack Russel Terrier, Max, when he recently woke up and was unable to walk. He could stand but couldn’t seem to make his front legs work. After bringing him to a vet we were told it was spinal issues, which he’d had in the past. However, after just one day of medication he was up and running around just like before. I know it probably won’t be the last time, and one day I’ll be faced with a very tough decision.

I won’t miss not being able to see my parents for the holidays or even regular visits. My family is close, and I’ve never not spent an Easter or Thanksgiving without them until this year. It just wasn’t the same. I’m not so sure we’ll be seeing them for Christmas either.

To make matters worse, my dad recently had his seventh back surgery. Yes, seventh. Recovery hasn’t been going very well this time. Yet I can’t visit him, and he isn’t usually up to talking on the phone.

I won’t miss the pain and shock of being told two people I know unexpectedly passed away. The first, a nephew, died from a drug overdose. He was only 37. The second, a good friend, passed away in his sleep from a combination of health issues. He had just turned 60. We were unable to attend their funerals.

I also won’t miss worrying about my family and their health. Not just with the pandemic, but other issues that have come to light this year. Unfortunately, they won’t just disappear on January 1, but I’m hopeful for positive outcomes.

I know I’m just one of millions who just want this year to be over. We only need to make it a few more weeks. 2021 has to be better.