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.