What is the most popular quote of 2020?

Is it, "It has been the most unusual year?"

Or, for the optimist, perhaps, "The sun will shine tomorrow."

For the pessimist, "Why does it always rain on me?"

Is everyone on our planet suffering from the COVID-19 scourge? Will the new medications cure and the vaccines kill off this contagious virus? What will the new anticipated normal be like? What other questions do we have swirling around in our heads?

In the meantime, how do we live? Do we buy the neatest, most attractive masks? When will we socialize again by attending crowded sporting events, dances, or church services? Will these gatherings remain taboo, nerve wracking, and dangerous? Will hugging remain forbidden? Will touching always be seen as dangerous? When can we play musical instruments without  masks?

You have all asked yourselves these questions. Will we have real answers or always be on a learning curve?

In spite of this uncertainty, we must live on. We must care about the human race and all living things. Our hearts must not let us down. We must care about others. We must think positively. We must live carefully, courageously, and be thinking of others. For this will be our best answer to loneliness.

During these dark months, my spirits are lifted by remembering the daring actions of our forefathers in writing our U.S. Constitution. Their mission ensured our future together and our posterity. We should always reflect on the following words: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Jeanne K. Clark lives in Old Lyme. Her submission was accompanied by a letter asking us to share "the thoughts of a 90-year-old woman living through the present COVID crisis."