We are in a Pandemic, but we can still be Grateful.

This year is different. It’s extremely different. I don’t think any of us ever thought we would live through something like this.

It will be one of those years that we will want to forget, but no matter how hard we try we won’t be able to.  There’s a valid reason for that, we’ve been through a lot. Some more than others. We’ve lost loved ones, jobs, homes, cars, and the ability to be with loved ones. Those that got sick lost the ability to taste or smell. Others are still waiting to see what they lost in order to recover from this strange virus. We’ve all lost the ability to move around freely without a care in the world. We are still free, but every trip to the grocery store has to be thought out, we have to make sure we have our masks, alcohol wipes, sanitizer and extra time to wait in line to get in.

Things have gotten scary. Then better, then worrisome, then hopeful, then scary-scary again. No matter what stage we went through, the one thing it never got back to was Normal. Things never went back to what we considered normal. That might be a good thing for some, for others it’s the worst thing that could ever happen.

The truth of the matter is that we have to come to peace with the notion that normal as we knew it, will never come back. We will have to create and live in a new normal. I personally think this will be better for all of us.

During this ordeal we’ve seen the good and bad of humanity, and the… let’s admit it even the loco in us. I mean, I still don’t understand the toilet paper shortage, like I really don’t. What I will remember most about this year, will be how people stepped up to help their fellow human.

We’ve seen it with:

• Folks making masks and delivering free food for medical and other frontline and  essential workers.
• Folks checking in and handing out masks, water, and other personal hygiene goods that homeless folks needed.
• Local businesses converting themselves into food banks and giving out food to whomever needs it once a week.

“South LA Cafe Gives Away Free Groceries to Help Community in Pandemic…”

• Local businesses being supported by patrons to help keep the business up and running.

“And I feel it’s almost a neighborly obligation to keep neighborhood restaurants afloat.” –Dr. Fauci

• Volunteers/humans checking in on seniors, people who live alone.
• Community members offering food and grocery delivery for free to whomever can’t do it themselves.

“Community fridges show up in L.A. neighborhoods to feed those in need”

• People supporting other folks that have had to get creative and hustle to make ends meet during this hard time.

I’m sure you’ve witnessed some yourself. Some little things that just remind us that we are still decent humans, regardless of the chaos that is going on around us.

Even with a pandemic, we can still be grateful. We might not be able to celebrate as we always have, but our gratitude needs no invitation, no mask, no sanitizer, it just needs for us to acknowledge it.

Personally, I have a lot to be grateful for. Some are big and some are small, but no matter what the size I’m still extremely grateful!

• I’m extremely grateful for my health, my son’s health, and my family’s overall health.
• I’m grateful for my family’s support.
• I’m grateful that I have a roof over my head and I have not once during this pandemic feared that I could lose it.
• I’m grateful for the fact that I had a small nest egg to hold me through the months I was unemployed.
• I’m grateful to have had a job offer when I did, I had enough saved for one more month.
• When we went into lock down I was recovering from a back injury, I’m extremely grateful that I’ve healed and had the means to see a doctor and get the proper treatment needed.
• I’m grateful that my child’s teachers have been extremely patient with the parents and the children, as we navigate this new virtual academic world.
• I’m grateful that my Guncle is available and able to help my son during his zoom classes, as I have to be on Zoom myself for work. But I’m also grateful that my Guncle steps in and has the patience of a saint with my kiddo.
• I’m grateful because my kid has adapted and is doing well, kids are really resilient.
• I’m grateful because my BFF and her family are doing a lot better after dealing with COVID.
• I’m grateful because I had the means to help a loved one acquire some peace and stability in their life. I hate having to say no to people, especially family.
• I’m grateful for my Faith it got me through it without sadness, depression, or regret.
• I’m grateful for the Colibri that visited me every day. Starting on Halloween through Día de los Muertos and Election Day. Those days were rough (campaign life), but every time that little beautiful bird showed up it brought me so much peace. Deep down I know it was my Abuela visiting me and letting me know that I was going to be okay. I was. I am.
• I’m grateful for my food, the one I get to make and purchase. Just having something to eat is a gift on its own. Opening my refrigerator and seeing food, always makes me smile (“starving student” status is real).
• Even though I was not able to have a big milestone birthday party for my kiddo, I’m grateful that my Familia helped me make the best of it for him. I’m grateful that friends and family from afar participated in one way or another in the celebration making it even more special for the nugget.
• I’m grateful for friends who are family. Checking in on us, calling to chat and/or see if we need anything from wine to desks to help get our at home classroom ready for the school year.
• I’m grateful for turning 40.
• I’m grateful for wine, coffee and chocolate.
• I’m grateful for Netflix and the Hallmark channel. Christmas movies in June? Yes!!! Christmas junkies unite.
• I’m grateful for my books and garden.
• I’m grateful for tablets and kids Youtube. (Mami’s understand this one).
• I’m especially grateful that we will now have an adult in the White House.

I’m sure as I later read this more things will pop up, but I’m sure you get the point. Don’t focus on the bad, highlight the good no matter how small. Always focus on the good. Let your Faith be stronger than your Fear.

We are in a pandemic, but we can still be Grateful.