Happy Thanksgiving! Yes, it’s October. Did you know that Canadians have been celebrating Thanksgiving since the late sixteenth century, roughly 40 years longer than Americans? In fact, ten different countries celebrate Thanksgiving: Canada, China, Germany, Grenada, Japan, the Norfolk Islands, South Korea, Liberia, Vietnam, and of course the United States. Not everyone celebrates at the same time nor in the same way, but the theme, one of gratitude, is universal. Check this link to learn more. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/9-other-countries-celebrate-thanksgiving-110021067.html
2020 has made it hard for many to be grateful for much. In my bubble of ten, which includes my daughter and her family, we managed to get together for the traditional meal, but this year, our son who lives two hours away couldn’t make it. COVID 19 kept him in a different bubble. Our son who lives in Norway doesn’t usually get home for this holiday, but while he came to Canada at least once a year in the past, he’s not doing any traveling now.
The second wave of coronavirus has hit Canada, and it’s worse than it was the first time around–not as bad as in other countries, but far worse than we would like. We managed to flatten the curve late last spring, but it’s climbing steeply again. Once more, facemasks, social distancing, and staying within your bubble are the orders of the day. Restrictions are increasing, and with flu season also on the horizon, as well as the typical fall allergy and common cold season, getting together with friends and family may be a thing of the past once more.
But, I do have several things to be thankful for. So far, my family remains healthy. My grandchildren are growing into responsible teenagers, my books are selling, and I still have ideas and the ability to turn them into stories. Yesterday, I met a new fan, a reader who loves my books, always something that makes an author feel good.
Since we were unable to travel this year, I upgraded my car to a newer pre-owned one that I adore. At the end of the month, we are having our family room redone. It’s the one room in the house we use more than any other, so why shouldn’t it gave the first makeover?
The next thing I have to be grateful for are my close friends, those I see in person, those I’ve been unable to see because of the pandemic, and those I only know virtually. So far, while many have struggled with health issues, everyone continues to soldier on. This will pass–not today, not tomorrow, possibly not even next year, but we will get by.
So, as I stop and reflect on the day, I also look to the future and pray you all stay safe. Hopefully, by this time next year, we’ll be able to look back and say, I’m glad that’s over!
Living the Dream 