New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

Editorial: Even in the year 2020, there are still reasons to be thankful

By Andre Jones | November 24, 2020 12:42 pm

While 2020 has been a year that most of us like to forget, we also remember that we should be thankful as well.

If you’re reading this, be thankful for a number of reasons. You have the ability to read or somebody is sharing this message with you, which is a blessing. You woke up this morning and in 2020, that has been a something that not many people can say this year.

A lot of families will enter into the holidays with loved ones who have moved on in the next phase of the journey. I despise the thought that there are more than 250,000 people who lost their loved ones to the ongoing pandemic, while other families have to cope with the passing of loved ones to natural causes, cancer, accidents, and more. Be thankful that you can talk to your own family, even when they are miles apart. But don’t be too selfish; support those who will be going through the holidays for the first time without the company of those who are usually there.

Let’s be clear that 2020 has been a year that we would like to forget. But instead of forgetting, let us learn from it and be thankful for making it this far. Let’s use our knowledge and continue to learn and grow. Let’s be thankful by helping others and showing them that they have a support system.

Be thankful if you’re still employed because this pandemic has wiped out several industries. Be thankful if you recovered from COVID-19 or any other disease that may have stricken you or an injury that has sidelines you. Be thankful for situations and circumstances that still allows your child to receive an education or can participate in activities. Be thankful that you can still enjoy activities in an environment that is focusing on safety.

I can’t tell you how thankful I am, but I can continue to push the thought of giving back to others. We cannot relate to anybody else’s situation on a personnel level, but we can relate to them in how they may feel.

As 2020 comes to a close, let’s remember that we are not in this battle alone. We must continue to be vigilant and help each other during times of need. By giving back, you show your character. And showing your character is something that you should be thankful for.