Finding Gratitude in this Season

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

When first describing the year 2020, "thankful" may not be the first word that comes to mind.

It has been months since many of us have seen extended family. If you’re like me, you’re longing to visit with old friends, aging relatives, and family that live out of town. Even though the traditional Thanksgiving pictures are often filled with happy reunions, huge meals and memories with friends new and old, that may not be what this year brings. I know personally, we are keeping our Thanksgiving small, with just Brady, Elijah and me.

I am sad. Can I just say that? This year has already been the most challenging of my life and now we can’t be with our family for the holidays. I wish that I could fly to Pennsylvania to visit my parents and show Elijah what fall in the northeast looks like. I wish I could go black Friday shopping with my mom. I wish all of our extended family could be in one place. Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% letting myself feel sad, and man do I miss my mom; however, I am not going to let it ruin this day.

I plan to start the day at the beach,watching the sunrise with my friend Kari, just like we have been every Thursday for the last several months. It’s one of the things that brings joy to my life and keeps me grounded. I find that it is easier to focus on all of the amazing things in my life while watching the new day begin. The rest of the day doesn’t have much of a plan with the exception of FaceTiming family and spending much needed time with Brady and Elijah.

So today, on this Thanksgiving, I am choosing to be grateful for time with my son, an intimate family celebration, and technology that will allow for us to “visit” with family we can’t be with in person.

I am sending you warm thoughts and happy wishes for a Thanksgiving that, even though it may look a little different, is filled with moments to be grateful for!