I found it shocking that my “annual” Thankful post for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday went MIA after 2017.

I know I have plenty to be thankful for. Even in 2020. So, let’s update this puppy.

Thankful Thief

I borrowed (?) this annual tradition from my good friend and writer buddy, Anne Wayman.

Anne’s list is extensive. Funny, I’m not as competitive as I thought I was. It’s totally fine if my list is not as long.

I invite you to add your own Thanksgiving list in Comments. You don’t have to live in the U.S. to share this tradition.

Thanksgiving Thanks Pandemic Style

Ask almost anyone and they will probably tell you they cannot wait until 2020 goes out the door. A global pandemic, a crazy U.S. election, and racism run wild makes 2020 a year we are happy to see go.

Despite all the horrific events (and we sure seem to have more than our share), I have plenty to be thankful for in 2020. The following lists just a few.

Knock-on-Wood Good Health

My mom’s health – My mom is 97. If you don’t think I’ve been freaked about keeping COVID-19 outside our door, you missed that one. She has been doing well. She has her good days and her bad days (don’t we all?). Next week Mom goes into an outpatient setting to have her pacemaker battery replaced. Please keep her in your thoughts.

My health -This Old Lady Walking body has been a LOT more vocal this year. Knees, ankles, shoulder, feet. They’re all making themselves known. But I am incredibly fortunate to be so healthy. So far, I am still prescription-free!

Family

My biological family – This is one of the tough aspects of this pandemic. My younger sister used to come up to Boise once a week. With her husband designated as an essential employee from the start, those visits have stopped. His exposure to vast numbers of people (many non-compliant) poses too great a risk for Mom.

My older sister cancelled her annual visit as it meant getting on a plane (she lives in Ohio). In the first Zoom call with my sisters, we lost her connection. Stop it, 2020. Just stop!

I have four brothers as well. We are spread across this country –two brothers in Ohio, one in Florida, and the other in Georgia. COVID has put a crimp in our style. But the thing about family, they are yours forever. And for that, I am thankful.

My 3-Day teammates – my other family – Those of you who know me, know I participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60-mile walk. On my first walk in 2003, I met walkers who became the start of our fabulous team. We’re up to 16 walkers (although we don’t all walk every year). And, of course, no one walked (except virtually) in 2020. Another dang COVID effect.

For our 15^th anniversary, I gave each teammate a mug that said,  We walked into one another’s hearts. And that’s just what we did. These ladies are such a blessing. I missed seeing them this year and pray 2021 will be different – in so many ways. I love you Pink Tahoe Ladies!

And speaking of the 3-Day – I cannot talk about my 17 years participating in the 3-Day Walk without thanking my generous, supportive contributors. Some of them have been with me from day one and continue to support me both through donations to my fundraising and their encouragement. I am humbled by you all and thank you from the bottom of my well-worn feet to my heart full of gratitude.

Personal Friends

My friend, Judi – Judi was my first boss when I moved to San Diego. But she became so much more. Mentor, friend, family, an important part of my life. I love you, Judi with an ‘i’ and hope we see each other again in 2021.

Another longtime friend – I met Linda at the same company where Judi was our boss. We also lived in the same apartment complex that was my first home in San Diego. Linda graciously shares her home when I return to San Diego for the 3-Day Walk. For some reason, Linda decided having breast cancer would solidify our friendship even more. Crazy girl. I am happy to report, Linda is doing well as a breast cancer survivor. Love you and miss you, Linda.

My ex-roomie, Vicky – This lovely lady was one of my first roommates back when we were both a LOT younger. Vicky has such a big heart. To give you an idea how big, last year she took the train from her Ventura County home to San Diego to see me before the 3-Day Walk. I love this lady!

Oriana, a special friend – Oriana is another friend I have known for more years than I care to think about. Throughout our long friendship, Oriana has never let our connection fade away. She is special to me in so many ways. I love you, Oriana!

Online Friends

My freelance and online buds – Do you sometimes look hard to find something good about social media and the online world? Especially this year? Well, the A#1 answer is all about the friendships you build. I am so thankful to my fellow writers, freelancers, and social media connections who enrich my life every day.

Like Lori, a fellow writer I am happy to call friend. We clicked from day one. I also know colleagues and friends, Jenn and Yo, are always there for me. Numerous grateful moments. There are so many others, and I’ll share a few here, but know I appreciate each of you.

Other online friends – I love my Twitter and LinkedIn friends like Nicky, Maryann, Brandi, Jan, Sue Ann, Henneke, Marcie, Mitch, Jake, John, Leena, Laura. I know I am missing some. That’s only an indication of my boomer brain and not my heart where you all reside. Thank you.

Facebook friends – There’s a lot to hate about Facebook. But the one unquestionable benefit is the reconnection to family and friends. I use the platform strictly for personal connection. It offers pictures of family members’ children I’ve never met, connections with people I knew long ago, and helps me stay in touch with friends I’ve known forever. I value the new friendships of 3-Day participants and my beloved Notre Dame groups.

Writers Doing What They Do

Anne’s Writer Forum – Anne who inspired this Thanksgiving tradition is a fellow writer. Anne lives in San Diego and we meet each year for lunch when I go for the 3-Day Walk. I missed this year’s lunch as much as I missed the Walk. Thank you, Anne, for all you do and for being my friend. Anne created a writers’ forum, which I love hanging out at. Regulars like Lori, Paula, and Sharon are my go-to source for anything important in my life. I enjoy catching up with Nikki, Ashley, and Luana. Thank you for your help, friendship, and support all these years.

Anti-Racist Writers – 2020 has been such a lousy year. Sadly, for most Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), 2020 only highlights our racist world. If there is a ray of hope in 2020, it’s that more voices are being heard. We have far to go, but it’s a start. I encourage you to check out these writers. LinkedIn has become a real platform (although they battle attempts to silence their message). A good place to start is with writer friend, Sharon Hurley Hall’s Anti-Racism newsletter. I guarantee it will blow your mind (and hopefully, open your heart).

Business Thanks

My clients – I am semi-retired from business writing (sort of). However, I continue work for a few long-time clients. I wish all clients were as professional, kind, and giving as those I work with. I pray for their continued success during these most challenging times.

Technology – For all the scream-at-the-screen moments, technology brings joy as well. Zoom alone has helped keep us sane in this crazy pandemic year. Believe it or not, the pandemic brought out other technology benefits.

• Insurers and provider offices are finally seeing that telehealth can work.
• Employers became less resistant (perhaps grudgingly) to remote work.

Imagine where we’d be without the good side of technology. Yes, there is a good side. Thank you.

Simple Pleasures

Our miniature schnauzer, Penny – What joy this little bundle of salt-and-pepper energy brings to my life (and my mom’s). Getting up every morning to a tail-wagging wiggle of happiness and her excitement for walks and play make me smile every day. There’s something to be said for unconditional love.

Calendars – I know, weird, huh? But I love my box calendars. My niece and grandniece gave me a Peanuts calendar. After my dad went crazy over his Peanuts calendar from me many Christmases ago, it became an annual gift. I think of him each morning as I follow his habit of tearing off the top page and reading the Peanuts genius. Another simple pleasure is my Maxine calendar that sits on my office desk. Funny how I relate to her more and more each year.

Comfy socks – These make the list every year. Freelance workers have long known the bliss of comfy socks and no shoes. Recent remote workers are discovering this simple pleasure.

Daily walks – I love when I pull the plug on technology and the hardships of life and appreciate the beauty we often forget to see.

A good night sleep – I do not need my Fitbit to tell me when I had a good night of sleep. But, boy, do I love when that happens. I’ve always said I wish we had a switch that we could turn off at night that pops back on after blissful sleep. Zzzzz…

I’ve gone on long enough. Although I barely scraped the surface of thankfulness.

• To my U.S. friends, Happy Thanksgiving. Please stay safe and well.
• To ALL my friends, also stay safe and well.
• And thank you all for joining me on the thankful train.

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Live…Laugh…Love

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