Give Thanks

November 24, 2020

By Guest Writer Shari Cooper

2020 has been a trying year.

Between COVID, racial injustice and the presidential election, it’s a miracle people have been able to keep their sanity.

I was always taught the good Lord never puts too much on you that you can’t bear. This deems to be true because the ones who were spared from these hard times are still here to tell the story. With this, I feel a strong desire to give thanks, and what better time to do so than during Thanksgiving?

I’ve heard many stories about how this hard time in the world has taken people’s jobs, houses, cars and even lives. Yet with all of that, most still manage to remain thankful.

Being thankful in my book means acknowledging the mercy and grace that has been bestowed upon you.

Thanksgiving has always been the holiday where many families come together, break bread and give honor and celebrate the year’s accomplishments, as well as the struggles that we were lucky to make it through. Many traditions have been created around this special holiday.

Due to COVID and the dangers it brings, Thanksgiving will look a lot different for many households, including my own. I come from a fairly large family that’s continuously growing. My family’s Thanksgiving is usually known for 40 or more people, an abundance of food, and our annual karaoke event where everyone takes on a favorite song.

Unfortunately, for the first time that I know of, none of my family’s Thanksgiving traditions will take place because, no matter the sadness of not coming together, our main objective is to stay safe.

I know many are upset about not being able to spend this Thanksgiving holiday with the ones they love, but let us not lose focus. COVID is real, and we don’t want to risk our health just to see one another.

If you can just reflect on what you can be thankful for this year, big or small, it could really help you to understand what Thanksgiving really means. Thanksgiving is not a dinner. Instead, it’s a feeling of gratitude.

This year may have taught you that the basic necessities, such as toilet paper, masks, sanitizer, Lysol and water, are needs we often take for granted. Most of all, if nothing else, this year should’ve also taught you that connection with your loved ones and maintaining your health is everything.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember, if we are healthy and our loved ones are, too, we have a lot to be thankful for.

Life is difficult, but as long as you have breath in your body, there’s always hope for tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving!