A Blessed Thanksgiving to All

Yesterday I spoke with a dear member who was de-cluttering her home and discovered a worn and discoloured 1917 Herald. A major focus within its pages was the Spanish Flu pandemic that was overwhelming the world. That flu was couched in mystery and without understanding of how we can protect one another. A century has passed and today we have hope knowing the safeguards we follow to keep each other safe.

Our 2020 Thanksgiving is being celebrated within this pandemic and is upon each of our minds. Normally we would be looking forward to celebrating with generations of family and friends. Our family, as most of you will be experiencing this year, is separated from an in-person Thanksgiving get together. It may be hard for us to feel thankful right now….in home spaces that now seem more spacious, at tables that are normally overflowing. And yet, that doesn't mean we should let go of this sacred tradition of gratitude we need now more than ever. 

​If we still practice gratitude this holiday weekend, there's still hope for this Thanksgiving. We have learned these past few months that we can still share together in personal, touching ways that still allow us facetime or phone time with one another. Let us make our Gratitude intentional this weekend. Let us not take anyone for granted. Let us voice the words, “I love you”, “I miss you.” These words transcend the miles and warm the heart more than a turkey dinner ever could. These words spoken will be remembered when we look back at 2020. Let us share with one another the innumerable gifts of life we are grateful for. Especially this year, let us be grateful for life itself. Gracious God we are blessed. Thank you for family and friends and the joy of togetherness in whatever form we experience it.

Our family wishes each of you a bountiful Thanksgiving rich in the blessings that matter most.
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Kerry & Shelley Richards and family