Wow...this year has really been different. Makes one take a step back and think of all the things we have taken for granted. Every year at Thanksgiving, I try to reflect on the things that I am grateful for. This year, that list looks a bit different.
Let's just get my family and friends out of the way as a given. I am always thankful that I have been blessed with amazing people in my life.
But, I want to reflect on more this year.
This year I am grateful for the following:
- Healthcare workers. Recently, I heard someone say, "Did you know doctors and nurses can quit?" I mean, I knew that, sure. But, I didn't really think about it. They can quit. But, they haven't. They are going to work every day, in full PPE, taking care of people at risk to their own health and the health of their families. These people are the heros of 2020. Thank you for doing what you do.
- Desmond's teachers. Last year, nobody really knew what they were doing. We were all winging it, hoping that things would be back to normal in the fall. They weren't. But, Our Lady of Guadalupe Middle School stepped the Eff up! I can not overstate how active they have been. Remote teaching is challening, I am sure. But, they are doing it! And, not by simply sending a list of assignments. Desmond is "in school" from 8:30 - 3 every day. Granted, it's via the internet, but his teachers are right there, on screen, teaching class and answering questions. I went into the year wondering if it's worth it to pay the $800 a month for remote learning we could offer Des for free through public school. The answer is 1000% yes! This is levels above. Desmond will be absoultey be ready for 7th grade.
- Owen's teachers. The Mount is another story altogether. Because they are part of an assisted living facility, they haven't had to close. And, while many kids have been pulled out by their parents, nothing has been made easier for the staff. They have to wear masks ALL DAY. They have to communicate with parents via email and phone instead of in person. And, they still have to deal with all the gooiness that is a toddler and their 20 toddler friends. And, Marie, the Director. Bless that woman! She gets hollared at every day by parents that don't think they're doing enough. They are doing their best, and their best is pretty damn great.
- Delivery workers! Mail men and women, UPS drivers, Amazon delivery, etc. Your companies (Amazon in particular) are profiting off of this pandemic while you are the ones putting yourselves in harms way. By doing so, you are keeping us all socially distanced. It seems like such a mundane thing. But, we would be screwed without you. Grocery stores would be packed, even more restaraunts would be forced to close, and Christmas would be cancelled! Thank you for bringing us everything we need.
- Scientists. The geniuses bringing us a vaccine with unheard of haste! It's been less than a year and the state of Washington is talking about delivering vaccines to the most at risk people and front line workers by Christmas! Thank you for the sleepless nights and all the time away from your families! Thank you for also pushing ahead dispite the insults being lobbed at many of you from the most powerful person on Earth. You are selfless and we are grateful
- Everyone that follows the rules. Mask wearers, social distancers and those that stayed home for Thanksgiving. Even with a vaccine, this virus is going to hang on for a LOOONG time if people can't start following the rules. To those that wear their mask in public, thank you! To those that stay 6 feet (or more) away from me and my loved ones, thank you! To those that thought of our country instead of themselves and opted for a meal at home instead of a meal at Grandma's, thank you. This all sucks. But, American's have been known for coming together and sacrificing for the greater good...until 2016. But, for those that care for others, thank you for what you do.
I feel like the end is near. We're in a really shitty time at the moment. But, part of me feels like this is a last ditch effort by the darkness that has been consuming us the last few years. Covid is spiking, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. How far away is the light? I think it's closer than we realize.
Life remains beautiful. Hard. But, still beautiful. I am grateful to get to live it.
Thank you for reading! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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| (disclaimer - photo is from 2019 as I am not allowed to reveal the 2020 photos, yet) |
1 comment:
Great upbeat summary Jason!
This truly has been a year of unexpected personal and community trials and tribulations. I think that there are tons of unsung hero in the many service fields and industries that have kept this country functioning - grocery store workers, delivery people both in trucks and cars, city workers, volunteer and community workers helping organize, feed and shelter those in need, emergency support folks in all lines of work, and the list goes on and on.
Aside from the ongoing political chaos.. and regardless of the current administration's response put forth throughout this crisis (yes, there was a one time response back more six months ago ... but crickets since). Some, if not a majority, of the state, business, community and religious leaders and even neighborhoods have taken on the challenge of the moral and ethical care of the people. I salute all of you on that. It's a bit saddening that this was not embraced by a much larger set of the population but on the brighter side it does reflect there is still a underlying foundation of good! And I'm thankful for that and them 😁!
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