Thankful for the big, small things

To be honest, Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I am one of those people that goes straight from Halloween and Christmas.

When I was a child, my family would go to Walt Disney World during Thanksgiving break and Thanksgiving Day was often spent driving back home. We have enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at a Golden Corral restaurant or even Burger King. Instead of turkey, we enjoyed Whoppers.

As an adult, I have worked at newspapers and had to work on the Friday following Thanksgiving and did not have the opportunity to visit family who live hours away.

In fact, my husband and son usually celebrate “Friendsgiving” with some friends who are from Montana and are unable to visit their family as well.

My husband and I along with our children this year of enjoying a feast during our small Thanksgiving celebration.

Everyone knows that 2020 has been different–incredibly different, but it wasn’t all bad.

During this year, I started my job as editor here at the Malvern Daily Record. I also had a little girl who has completed our family and add joy to our lives. I also am extremely thankful that my family is safe and healthy.

Along with being thankful for the big changes, living in the middle of a global pandemic has forced me to look at my life and appreciate the small things. You don’t realize how much a simple hug and handshake means until you can’t do it.

During this unique year, Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to say lots of prayers for those who are going through difficult times. I pray for those who have lost their love ones or their businesses because of this horrible virus. I pray for people living in nursing homes and their families who can’t visit them during this holiday. I pray for local, state and national leaders and educators across this country.

Lastly, I pray for those in health care who are caring for this community and putting themselves at risk.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving and stay safe!