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It has been a tough year for a person like me who lives alone and has always relished being with others. But I can say that it has given me a heightened since of appreciation for some of the blessings in my life. Having worked in a hospital, I know how fragile life is, so I’ve always been grateful for good health. But the pandemic has made me think more about how fortunate that neither my loved ones or myself have been seriously ill. I’ve always loved being out in nature, but this year has taken that to a whole new level. Spending time in the parks, gardens or woods has lifted my spirits many times. Seeing the beautiful flowers, listening to the birds, and watching others enjoy these things has brought me true joy. What a wonderful world we live in! Thanks to technology, even though I could not go visit my sons and their families this Christmas, I was able to watch the granddaughters open their presents and we were able to bring the whole family together for a visit. During the year I’ve also baked with Simone and Octavia via FaceTime, and more recently, had one of them show me how to do needle felting, which I’m interested in learning. I would rather attend church and Sunday school in person, but if it weren’t for technology, I would not be doing either right now. And I always enjoy my Monday morning chat with the wise women in this group! So, I’ll leave you with this anonymous quote - “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” --Jeanette
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2020 has certainly led to experiences different from other years. I believe I have been able to be more thankful and grateful due to the extra time I have to consider things. I don't have to rush out of the house to get to a meeting or other engagement. I can enjoy my morning cup of coffee and think about my plan for the day ahead. I made gifts which had not happened in quite a few years and I had all the materials at home so no need to leave the house in search of that illusive gift or other idea or piece to complete something. I have frequented shopping online more than in the past. Just recently, my mother-in-law asked me to buy something for her that I had purchased in the past. I remembered how difficult and the number of stores I went to before and quickly decided online shopping was where it was to be. I looked at a couple of websites, found the best price, was able to ship it to her house and it was done so much more quickly than before. My wardrobe has definitely shrunk and I am not sure I am ready to go back to before. I am grateful for the luxury of staying home and dressing for Zoom in my very casual clothes. I also have the luxury of staying home as I don't have to go to work and socialism pays for a good portion of that. I do not believe I would be in good spirits without the technology of Zoom. There is looking forward to Monday morning with friends, meetings 3 times a week with another group as well as a couple of book clubs. I attended virtual accountability sessions and was engaged without leaving the house. The meetings were planned and executed thanks to Zoom. Any number of activities were able to be enjoyed at a distance due to technology, like all the Christmas programs from Lutheran colleges and universities, Some other things I am thankful for are the ability to go for walks and not having that restricted. I got tons of yard work done because I could stay home and focus on it. Our house sits on a somewhat busy street and looks down one street. I really enjoy sitting on the porch or in the living room in front of the picture windows and seeing the activity of people, dogs, and cars go by. It can really keep my focus outside myself. All in all, weird as it was, it was a good year and led to changes in how I look at things and what I think may be necessary. Here's to a new year, a new government, a less divided nation and care for people in all walks of life! --Carolyn At first that is sort of an impossible question! But at the end of the year, looking back, I do have things I am thankful for.
We have come though the Pandemic with our heath and most of our sanity intact. That in itself is an accomplishment when so many have been ill and so many have died. I think it's due to us being old enough to heed the CDC warnings and realizing we are vulnerable. Mostly I am thankful that we were able to buy the casita! To have our own space, without rent or utilities, is a special blessing. It is amazing to have Karla & Fredrick close at hand, willing and able to help with whatever issue I have on my mind. This is the first time in years that I have felt like I have support, and wise counsel at hand. Also, there is the issue of our car! We were really upside down on our lease on the smaller Buick and needed to bail on that deal. With the help of a smart saleswoman, and bunches of cash, we found a much newer Buick, at a cost we could almost afford. Gotta love the American credit system. So a reliable, safe car now takes us where we need to go. And we have gone 8613 miles this year, most of those racked up during the 35 mile round trip drive moving from the apartment to the casita. I am also thankful that K & F & I are developing a truly trusting friendship that goes much beyond the simple ties of "family". This is a relationship that gives me security for my future, as we never know what lies around the next bend in the road. And my friends! What a joy to know there are people I can talk with about most anything and not be judged "nuts". It is really is fun to share all my nonsense with people who know me well enough to laugh with me! So- onward into 2021 with a joyful heart! Seems like we have seen the worst. Now we can help work toward a better future for all of us. --donna We all know the horrid things that went on in 2020. We survived them. But it is interesting to look back and see what I learned from this year of challenges.
2020 seemed to be a very long year! While we were confined to our homes more than usual, we spent time--killing time--at a pace slower than we were used to. In addition to the pandemic, there were other crises that brought new attention to the issues of racial and social injustice. Having more time to think about those issues gives me hope they will not soon be forgotten, and will lead to systemic changes. On top of all that was the election and the dumpster fire that has resulted. The campaign was disappointing in so many ways, yet the outcome will be what I hoped for. It will simply take much longer to recover from the toxic Trump years than I'd like. That doesn't mean there aren't many things to be thankful for in 2020, and I personally have many reasons to give thanks.
--Janice |
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January 2022
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