Difficult as 2020 has been, it is my hope that each of us can find something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. If you have lost a loved one to COVID, I know that no words can take away your pain and grief. If you are a “long hauler”, I hope that you are finding support from others as you navigate your ongoing health issues. If you have lost your employment due to the economic downturn, I hope you are finding support from your network to find a new job.

Many times, during the past 9 months I have said to my family and friends – I can’t complain, I’m healthy and alive. I never really felt my age, but since March I have been reminded that I am an “elder”. I am overall healthy with no underlying conditions but I’m in that over 65 group. My husband is 4 years older than me and does have some medical conditions. We have been mask wearers since mid-March and do our best to minimize our risks.

I have much to be grateful for. Healthcare workers caring for COVID patients on the front lines and scientists working to develop a vaccine. All those who support them in ways we see and don’t see. And yes, that includes the IT and HTM teams in every health system who provide solutions and systems that the clinicians depend on.

I am also grateful for all the essential workers – at the grocery store, providing public transportation, delivering packages, and the police and firefighters who protect us.

My family are my big rocks. And that has never been truer than this year. I am eternally grateful for them.

Tom is my soulmate. We have been best friends since 1972 and married since 1976. While he was OK with my interim gigs the past few years that took me away from home much of the week, we are enjoying this time together. We have done at least fifteen 1000 piece (or more) puzzles since March. He has gotten into painting and I have started playing the piano again. And of course, we have binged on many excellent TV series.

My oldest daughter and I talk at length several times a week on her commute home from her 12-hour shift at a Boston area hospital. We check in on each other and share our challenges and concerns.

My youngest daughter lives closer and helped with grocery shopping early on when she and her sister told us to stay home as much as possible during the early March and April surge here in the northeast.

We have seen them and our four grandkids several times since March – all outside and socially distanced as much as possible, with masks when not. As the weather has forced us inside, those visits will be far fewer and shorter with masks.

My sister is a retired public health nurse in Minnesota and has been my closest friend longer than anyone. We talk often. We look forward to when we can see each other again in person. The first of my vacations to be cancelled this year was a sister’s weekend we had planned for early April. I remember in mid-March saying to her let’s not cancel quite yet, let’s see what happens. Well, we know what happened.

I tell myself, whatever I’ve missed out on this year hopefully I can do next year. Tom and I will be alone on Thanksgiving. We are following the guidelines for holidays so we can be here for the holidays next year. We had an early Thanksgiving a few weeks ago on a 70 degree Sunday, outside, socially distanced and also celebrated two of our four grandkid’s late November birthdays then.

One more thing I’m grateful for – that competency, caring and compassion are returning to the White House and the executive branch. I was inspired as I listened to one of those returning people – “In the Bubble” podcast, Andy Slavitt’s interview with Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General and one of the co-chairs of President-elect Biden’s COVID Task Force. In his closing comments, Dr. Murthy talked about how we need each other to get through difficult times and moments of crisis. He quoted the African proverb – “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” He said if you keep yourself safe, the pandemic is not over. It requires all of us to step up and recognize that our destiny is connected, and it is how we get through all great challenges. He said that as bad and painful as this pandemic has been, he is fundamentally optimistic. He closed with this statement, “We have it in us to not only seek out brighter days, but to help build that brighter future that I know we are capable of and deserve and certainly that our children need.”

It’s been a tough year and we all miss our families. It may be a long, isolating winter but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I understand wanting to gather at the holidays. I only hope that you take steps to be safe and minimize the risks for you and your loved ones.

Wishing you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Be well. Be strong. Be smart.

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