Thanksgiving marks the official start to the holiday season and it could not come at a better time. It has been a year to remember, or maybe to forget, for most of us as the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated headlines nationwide.
The pandemic has affected every single person, regardless of race and religion, and no end appears to be in sight. But that does not mean there are not things we can all still be thankful for this year.
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. It combines three things I enjoy the most — eating a variety of food, watching football and spending time with family. It really doesn’t get much better than that.
Gathering around the television Thanksgiving morning is another tradition as we sit down to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. This year’s parade will surely look a bit different with no spectators, but I am glad it is still being held.
We attended the parade a few years ago, lining up to get a spot shortly after 6 a.m. It was an interesting experience to say the least as we failed to take into consideration how long we would be standing and how quickly coffee causes a reaction in one’s body. Viewing the parade once was enough to last a lifetime for me.
This year, I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. We know many others in the community who are either struggling with illnesses or have recently lost a loved one — making the holidays all the more difficult. It serves as a not-so-subtle reminder that time is precious and we should enjoy every moment.
My wife and I have both remained employed and able to provide for our family, for which we are both thankful. This is something not everyone can say, so perhaps a few extra dollars will need to go into the red kettle for the Salvation Army this year. I am sure there are many who will need their assistance this year.
I also asked members of our staff at the Houlton Pioneer Times to share some thoughts on things they are thankful for this holiday season.
Reporter Alexander MacDougall said, “While so much has happened this year, I am thankful that my own friends and family remain in good health and safety. When I first was hired for this paper and moved here from the state of Massachusetts, I had no idea it would be during the worst pandemic in a century, so I’m thankful that I have an opportunity to continue to work and serve this community the way that I do. The people of Houlton and southern Aroostook have been extremely welcoming of me, and I feel so fortunate that I am able to cover the issues and events that matter to them. I’d also like to express gratitude that here in the state of Maine, we have been much more successful in combating the virus than in other parts of the country — but with rising cases, I hope we continue to remain vigilant. With vaccines now looking to be on the way soon, I’m thankful we may soon be out of this terrible ordeal, and can go back to holding many of the events and sports that bring joy to so many people here.”
Sales representative Kelly Drake said, “Nearly four years ago, my husband and I made the decision to leave Greater Portland and move to Aroostook County. We decided that it was time to work to live, not live to work. I am very thankful that we moved into such a warm and welcoming community. There has not been one day that I regret our move. I have experienced a kindness unlike any in Maine. County people are truly the heartbeat of our state and we are fortunate to have found careers with such wonderful companies. I love that we have a holiday to celebrate being thankful and having gratitude. I have such appreciation for health and kindness and a simple life. Happy Thanksgiving!”
Receptionist Lisa Forbush said, “I am most thankful for my husband, children and pets. I am also thankful for the family and friends who have made life this year a little easier. I would like to thank the teachers and staff of RSU 29 and other local school districts for the tremendous efforts they have made to keep our children in school and safe. Thank you to all essential workers, law enforcement and medical personnel who have kept our local businesses and communities up and running.”
Joseph Cyr is the assistant editor/senior reporter for Northeast Publishing, a division of Bangor Daily News. He can be reached at (207) 532-2281 or via email at jcyr@bangordailynews.com.
