Not sure how a thought or idea gains momentum or becomes viral, but gratitude seems to be the “One” right now. Almost every post I see has a reference to it. Some are simple and thoughtful, while others are elaborate and requesting you “share” this post if you are really my “friend,” (otherwise I’ll unfriend you is the implied insinuation.) Even visiting my dentist this week ended in a conversation about being grateful. This is no big surprise since it is Thanksgiving and that after all is the point of this holiday.

It will be a bittersweet Thanksgiving at least in the sense that our little family won’t be spending it together. Paranoia is not the problem nor is it our blind following of our Governors mask/gathering mandate, but our being cautious and protective of our 92-year old matriarch. The eldest daughter is in Miami with her partner. They are waiting until the caseload numbers drop and they feel safer to travel. Her son, my nephew, is recently recovered from COVID so he is probably fine, but his household is sketchy at best so he is out. Both my sons are staying away out of an abundance of caution, not because of a dangerous lifestyle. We will visit them later under the guise of exchanging Thanksgiving plates but will linger to visit. This will keep our matriarch none the wiser, and us a little happier.

Funny how the meal planning has evolved for this holiday. Originally, we were all getting together at the family cabin about 60 miles away. The challenge was the matriarch couldn’t spend the night without days of prep and a carload of stuff so the decision was made to make it a one-day affair. Problem with that was my wife would have to meet our youngest there the night before to start the cooking and that didn’t even account for the shopping requirements for the big meal. She finally said she couldn’t enjoy herself under those circumstances so “No.” She was right of course, and besides, the case count started to explode. My wife announced that if no one was getting together but the three of us, there was no need to cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal. She was kidding but her poor mom was shocked! Slowly a meal plan developed and she felt better. Somehow this has evolved into 2 14lb turkeys with all the sides, pies and 3 dozen orange rolls. Maybe she is secretly planning on feeding our entire condominium community…

The news has been filled with our growing homeless tent cities, and the strain on the Utah Food Bank to help those impacted by the pandemic. It is surreal to see the Dow hit 30,000 yet the line for food can stretch for miles. There is so much going on it is hard; impossible really, to make sense of any of it so to focus on gratitude is good medicine. It has been, and continues to be a difficult year for everyone. As I type this it is easy to make a list of all the shitty things that have occurred, but you know what, it is easier to expound on how fortunate I am:

Family. Our love is unconditional and support for one another is unwavering.

Health. Good health truly allows us to enjoy all that life offers. We get scares like everyone else but in the end we are ok.

Faith. I’m not going to preach or insinuate we attend or belong to an organized church or even pray regularly, but I will say we are spiritual.

Career. Funny one here and kind of poignant. A decision for a career pivot early in the pandemic is proving to be an incredible boost to my mental health right now. Sometimes you need to follow your instincts and make difficult decisions.

I could go on and on, and in my mind I do. Breathe deep and think of the positives in your life, even if it is for only one day. Happy Thanksgiving!