2020 Reflections

Wow. What a ride.

For most (if not all) of us, 2020 was a year of new challenges, self-reflection, perhaps some stir-craziness, and a tingling anticipation for things to return to normal coupled with an urge to witness positive change. During the course of the pandemic, weeks of uncertainty turned into months. Our Ham-Fammers created new normals: Zoom auditions up the wazoo, at-home haircuts, new hobbies to fill the time, self-edited voiceover reels, home studio makeovers, theatre on the web, symptom checklists, contact-less office visits, and long distance digital hugs.

All of these new normals were paved and navigated while facing brutal, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking truths about the state of our country, communities, and industries. Faced with traumatic injustices and incomprehensible losses, our roster of superheroes led and attended protests, bravely shared their stories, created art, and fostered and participated in difficult but important conversations in order to create greater understanding, love, equity, and allegiances. We learned so much from them, and continue to every single day. Our commitment to being the change we too want to see, only continues to grow.

Our Ham Fam faced all of this and more: fear of our health crisis, blatant racial injustice, separation from loved ones, political and social unrest, career uncertainty. And yet our incredible roster handled a year of constant adjustment and acclimation with determination, patience, humor, and grace. We are in such awe of everything you all accomplished. Thank you.

Cheers to 2021 Ham Fam! May it be a year of health, happiness, positive change, social justice, ambition and success. If we can make it thru 2020 together, we can make it thru anything!

Love, Your Shirley Ham Family

author: lara freeman-erbin