Let’s face it. At some point or another this year we’ve all said it: 2020 sucks! Yet, there are still many reasons to be thankful.
In addition to the COVID pandemic, my family had to deal with job layoffs, school shut down, and evacuating our home at the last minute due to an impending flood {thankfully we didn’t suffer any damage but so many others did}.
I’ve gone most of the year without seeing close relatives and probably will not be visit with them during the holidays either.
However, this is a month to be thankful and even with all the crazy this year has brought, there is still a lot to be thankful for.
First of all, I’m thankful for time with my family. When the pandemic first hit this spring my son was home from school and my husband from work. We had two months to slow down and spend time together, just us. In the 15 years my husband and I have been together, we have never had that much time to just be together. So instead of being busy with work and sports practices we had movie nights, bonfires, and did some projects around the house.
In addition to more family time, I’m thankful for our health. I know that’s a weird saying with so many people getting sick. However we’ve had several family members battling major non-COVID-related health problems this year. Seeing their fight helps put life into perspective.
I’m also thankful for friends. Whether it’s a simple text, phone call, or even a zoom call with your girlfriends, they have kept me sane and remind me everyone is in this together.
Finally, I’m thankful for the fact my kids are still little. To my son, there is nothing weird about going to school with a mask because he doesn’t really know any different. It’s just something you do to prevent germs. For my daughter, she is probably young enough that she will not remember much if any of this pandemic. Instead, she will remember the time spent at home with mom baking cookies and playing dress-up.
To reiterate the fact this year does have good moments, my family and I are doing a “Thankful Pumpkin”. What is a “Thankful Pumpkin”? Every day this month we write on a pumpkin something we are thankful for. At the end of the month, we can look back on how blessed we are.
While 2020 may never be a year we look back on fondly, remember that during this crazy time there is always something to be thankful for.
