Together again , a hopeful vision for 2021!

Thanksgiving day is soon approaching.

This year's Thanksgiving is definitely going to feel very different due to the vile virus Covid-19,that has been plaguing the entire world for over 9 months.

In America as of today, more than 12 million cases have been reported, and sadly, more than 250, 000 deaths have occurred...

In our state of Ohio, 351 thousand cases, 6 thousand deaths

Being that Covid-19 is extremely contagious, it has been highly recommended by the Center for Disease Control and also our Ohio Governor DeWine, that this Thanksgiving dinner be limited to celebrating it with the people who live with us daily in our home.

Otherwise known as ,within our "bubble.

I know that this the complete opposite that most of experience each year right?

We are used to sitting around the dinner table with parents, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts , uncles, cousins,grandma, grandpa, friends, neighbors .

However, this traditional scenario could possibly be a breeding ground for the potentially fatal virus Covid-19 to spread, as we pass the bowl of mashed potatoes.

I am not a fear monger.

I simply want to relate some common sense so that we all can approach the holidays, beginning with Thanksgiving and leading into Christmas and New Years by being responsible.

In turn, each one of us can help kick Covid-19 to the curb by wearing masks ,social distancing while out in public, frequent hand washing and strictly adhering to the recommended guidelines for holiday gatherings while we highly anticipate a future vaccine.

This year we can show our creativity and consider some of the following suggestions :

Consider celebrating with family and friends by going virtual on Zoom or Skype
You will be able to talk and laugh to your heart's content without the worry of transmitting the virus or contracting it.

OR

For those people on your annual guest list who live by themselves, consider delivering the home cooked holiday meal in "to go "containers and deliver it to them.

If you aren't feeling it this year to cook at all, make a difference and help out another family.

Consider donating canned goods and pantry staples to a local food bank,

OR
Put a check in the mail, 100% no contact at all!

As for next Thanksgiving Day in 2021...

Envision sitting around the Thanksgiving dinner table ,surrounded by family and friends.

Smiling, laughing, hugging.

When it is time to say Grace, we can beautifully pray in unison ,

We are thankful for being together
We are thankful for being Covid free
We are thankful for being ALIVE!

This " vision " CAN become a reality, if ALL of us keep our eye on the prize and comply .

Oh what a magnificent day of being thankful it will be, as we safely enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

Together again!