Let’s Give Thanks That We Will Get Through This

Sharing is caring!

It’s less than a week from Thanksgiving and the government is telling us to cancel our holiday travel plans and restrict who we have over for dinner. Some people are crying out that this is an afront to their freedom. But most of us want to see the virus go away sooner than later. Let’s give thanks that we will soon have the virus under control.

So much loss to grieve

As of this writing, 250,000 have perished from the COVID pandemic. That’s a quarter of a million people and about the size of the population of Richmond, Virginia. A commenter on the news pointed out how horrifying it would be if the entire population of Richmond was wiped out. But what is truly shocking is that multiple 911s are happening every day. We’ve become numb to it.

Our sacrifice today will assure we have a normal Thanksgiving next year

Let’s give thanks that we have health organizations and companies who believe in science. Vaccinations are on the verge of being distributed. The new administration’s transition team must be allowed to coordinate with the current administration to avoid a lapse.

All of us want to go back to normalcy and have the type of family-centered Thanksgiving we have all enjoyed over the decades even if it means fighting with family members. My family thankfully gets along even though we have different viewpoints. This may not be true for everyone, but we all wish we can sit with our cranky uncle or radical cousin again.

Keep up the fight

That means buck up and follow the guidelines until it’s safe again. Fighting them only means our ordeal will go on longer. Some may argue they know people who have had the virus and cake-walked through it. Tell that to those on ventilators in crowded hospitals who can’t say goodbye in person to their loved ones, the kid who lost both of his parents, or those left with debilitating health conditions.

Give thanks to those helping others in need

This season will be extremely difficult for people who have been struggling through the pandemic. Many have lost jobs and are receiving aid they never needed before. People in cars are lined up for miles and sit for hours to receive food. It’s a blow to the ego but be thankful it’s available.

Some think programs like SNAP are “socialist.” I prefer to think of them as compassionate. Bad things happen in life we don’t have control over. Be grateful there are options to help others during hard times because someday that could be you. If we retired “seniors” did not have Social Security, some of us would be homeless or starve.

Do what you can

If you are able, please donate to shelters, food banks, veterans, and other organizations to help those down on their luck enjoy the holidays. As Baby Boomers, it may be unwise to physically volunteer in a soup kitchen, but we can help organizations that are planning to distribute to-go holiday meals or other services to help those who are struggling. That’s what Thanksgiving is about.

We can do this

We are all burned out and tired of wearing masks, staying home, and being away from family members. But COVID is now spiking almost everywhere so we must remain diligent. If we work together, instead of against each other, this nightmare will be over sooner than later, and we can give thanks for that.

Have you been able to give to charity this year or are you struggling like many others? What are your favorite organizations? Please leave a comment below.

Sharing is caring!