Pros and Cons
The Renaissance in You


Dad: survived COVID-19 and for that I am grateful.
I know that this has been a year of great struggles, loss, and adjustment. So, my saying Happy Thanksgiving may seem inappropriate this year. But if you are reading this, I am grateful.
If you could think for a moment of all that you have done this year to protect yourself, to protect your family, to protect your neighbors and colleagues, I am grateful.
If you can realize a new empathy for others that you perhaps never understood before, never noticed before, perhaps took for granted before, I am grateful.
If your heart skips a beat when you hear the special voice in your life and you know then that they are okay, I am grateful.
If you have had to pray this year and found a return to a faith that you once knew but perhaps let fall to the wayside, I am grateful.
If you find yourself so moved by stories you read about others that a tear will flow from your once steadfast, disconnected heart, I am grateful.
If you have discovered a new craft, a new instrument, a paintbrush, a camera, or a new song, I am grateful.
If you have been made aware of the unconditional love from your pet that you never recognized before, I am grateful.
If you have brought that unconditional love from a pet into your life, I am grateful.
If you can now smile with your eyes because you are wearing a mask, I am grateful.
If you tested negative, I am grateful. If you tested positive and have endured, I am grateful and in awe of your strength.
If you have expressed your sorrow and shared your path of grief, I am aware now and I am grateful.
This has been an exercise of the heart and what we see is a newfound collective strength, and for that I am grateful.
Once the storm of isolation has passed, what a joy to see you again. The world welcomes the renaissance in you, and I am so grateful.
I give you thanks for all you have done. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Tags:
faith, gratitude, pandemic, Thanksgiving
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Meet The Blogger
Kelly Tarrant
Chicago is my hometown. I am a Logan Square resident. I was raised on the south-east side of Chicago in a neighborhood called Hegewisch. My grandparents on both sides immigrated here, from Ireland and from Mexico. We are a steel mill/iron-working family by trade. My four children were raised in Chicago and went through wonderful Chicago Public Schools. They have all grown to be responsible, intelligent, and inclusive young adults. I hope to continue to provide dialogue with others who care enough to help make a difference.
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