I don’t know about y’all, but I love Thanksgiving! It has been one of my favorite holidays ever since I was a young child. And this year I think this holiday is more important and special than years in the past. This pandemic has impacted all of us in unexpected ways, both good and bad, and so as we approach this holiday that focuses on the blessings we all have, I think it’s essential we take time to reflect on this year and what we have gained.
For me, this year has been full of unexpected blessings. When the Pandemic first began, I had just celebrated my 21st birthday with friends and family, a lovely memory that we all still talk about wistfully looking forward to “normal” again. And, the lockdowns and travel restrictions quickly set in after that. Luckily, my mom was still in town, and we were able to bond over virtual cooking classes, wine tastings, lectures, and more during her time living with me. I swear that she’s the only reason I stayed sane with everything getting canceled left and right. From March to June, we were quarantine buddies until she drove home to Texas. The month and a half that I was in Knoxville alone was hard. It was hard to be alone and made me think about the people who are having to spend this Pandemic Period alone. I wanted to reach out to them and try to brighten their day, so I started to get involved with Letters Against Isolation to reach out to senior citizens across the country and reduce loneliness and depression in those populations. Through this group, I was able to add cheer into other people’s day, and I genuinely think that nothing cheers you up quite like cheering others up!
As August came into view, all my courses moved online, and as all my friends drove into Knoxville, I did the opposite. I left for my home in The Woodlands, TX, missing the chance to see many of my friends that I had been missing so very much. This was hard for me, and I felt like I was missing out on so much since I wasn’t in Knoxville this Fall. I had driven home to Texas in August (the hottest month of the year for my area) and felt like I couldn’t participate in events or catch up with friends. However, I was reminded yet again that everything happens for a reason this Fall. While home, I have been able to help my family move houses (schlepping furniture is not for the weak, haha), connect with old neighbors that I have not seen in months, spend time with local extended family including my Great Aunt Judy, and embrace each day with excitement even about the most mundane things. As part of this Fall, I took a break from social media to allow myself to be fully present in this cherished time I have with all of my close family and friends who feel like family.
As this semester progressed, my attitude towards being “stuck” at home this Fall changed from missing out on all the college fun to feeling so very blessed to be able to love on and spend time with the people who mean the most to me. As for friends in Knoxville, I have weekly Zoom calls to play charades virtually and other fun games.
So as far as I can see, I have so much to be thankful for, but time with friends, family, learning new skills, and helping others in this crazy time is at the top of my list!
What do you have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving?
