What the coronavirus reminded us to be Thankful for

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The coronavirus showed us that we took almost everything for granted. During the pandemic, we found ourselves constantly complaining. However, there’s so much to be grateful for. Some things covid-19 reminded us to be thankful for are…

Esther Kang

Thanksgiving during covid

In the midst of the coronavirus, we find ourselves focusing on the negativities of the world. Without realizing it, we took our daily lives for granted. A weekend trip to the mall with friends or even going to the movies for fun has so many restrictions today. We couldn’t even greet our friends with a hug on the first day back to school. Nonetheless, there is so much to be thankful for. Most of us are healthy and safe, and for those battling to survive, there is hope to overcome it. Each day is a new day that we live to see. Everyday is a new reminder that we have overcome the day before. We’ve taken advantage of almost everything and we should reflect on all the things we’re thankful for. Living in a small town, you’ve probably heard that word travels way too fast, but so does compassion. With Thanksgiving on Thursday, here are a few of the many things that covid-19 reminded me and my friends to be grateful for.

This year, Thanksgiving will be on November, 26. The coronavirus has brought many challenges but now it’s time to reflect on everything that we’re grateful for. (Alexander Raths)

What has the coronavirus reminded you to be thankful for?

Here’s what my friends said:

Grace Kang: “School, I missed being around people and being able to talk to them and be present with them.”

Shelby Zedlovich: “Being able to see my friends.”

Hana Zhang: “My friends.”

Anonymous: “Concerts, love concerts. Wonderful things.”

Anonymous: “Being thankful for having a place to stay and eat, and grateful for my parents’ commitment in the medical field.”

Anonymous: “School, in person school.”

Lea Veigl” “The ability to actually see and interact with my classmates as well as teachers.”

Allie Cigna: “Theatre, vacation, family, live music.”

Melissa Maher: “Reminded me to be thankful for my friends because even though I wasn’t able to hang out with them in person, I was still able to call them and it made me realize how much I missed them.”

What the coronavirus reminded me to be thankful for

Everyday I find myself realizing how much I took for granted. I was reminded to be grateful for socialization. Because of covid, the desks are six feet apart so now we can’t sit in groups. The feeling of talking to each other about what we did over the weekend and having simple class discussions next to each other is a thing of the past. Even though everything is spaced out, I’m thankful that I was able to go back to school. Even with the sneeze guards separating us and the six feet restrictions, I’m grateful to be able to be in the same room as my friends and classmates. Quarantine reminded me to appreciate each new day. Before quarantine, I didn’t take a long look outside to appreciate the sunshine or the rain. Not being able to leave my house encouraged me and my family to talk a walk everyday around the neighborhood. During that walk, the green grass and the blue skies stimulated happiness and hope. Now, on the way to and from school, I’m reminded of the beautiful scenery I get to see everyday. I’m thankful for each new day. Quarantine also gave us the time we always wanted. We’ve always said, “I’ll do it when I have time” and the opportunity finally presented itself. We were encouraged to complete the list of things we were waiting to finish. We had time to spend with our families. Parents could bond their children and siblings made new memories. I’m grateful for the time I spent with my family during quarantine. Another major thing the coronavirus reminded the world, and me was to be thankful for the essential workers. The doctors, nurses and people of the medical field risk their lives everyday to help people. They’ve been doing this for a while and it took a global pandemic for the rest of the world to show them significant gratitude. The cashiers and mailmen got the recognition they deserved during these months. They were underappreciated but they really do make a difference in the world. The survivors of covid-19 sharing their stories of survival and spreading hope is another thing I’m grateful for. Some survivors even donated their plasma to help those who tested positive. After survivors take the covid test and test negative, their plasma is used to aid those who are fighting the virus. We have also seen the unity in the midst of the pandemic. Covid-19 reminded to be thankful for physical contact, a new day, the time I have with my family, the sacrifices made by essential workers, survivors that encourage healing and the faith restored in humanity by the unity we’ve see.

For those who have suffered loss due to the virus, there is a community that will grieve with you and be there for you.  I’ve seen it first-hand in our small town.

I’m thankful for a symbol of hope: Ada Zanusso is a 103-year-old that survived the coronavirus. She says she was able to survive with “courage and faith,” in Italy. Her story of survival is helping people to keep fighting. (Residenza Maria Grazia Lessona)
I’m thankful for a symbol of hope: Havahan Karadeniz, a 107-year-old elder that survived the coronavirus, encouraging hope among others and proving that anyone can survive.
I’m thankful for survivors willing to help: A covid-19  survivor donating her plasma to help those who are fighting the virus.
I’m thankful for the essential workers that are working in the midst of covid. They are making a difference everyday.
Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving!!