How have you fared during the global pandemic/national emergency/state shut-down/staying-at-home? Would you say meh, okay-ish, or pretty well?
IF SO, BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE.
Perhaps you’re like me and going stir-crazy—pulling your hair out trying to manage the boredom, restless kids, and spouses, while practicing patience. Maybe you’re not patient at all. As trying as the past three months have been though, consider those that are less fortunate. Many Americans have, sadly, lost a loved one to the virus; or their jobs. Others have struggled to put food on the table, pay bills, or provide for their children. And still others—the essential workers—have been working re-lentlessly on the front-lines and quarantining themselves from their families for our collective well-being. So…
I’M THANKFUL FOR WHAT I HAVE.
It’s a lesson of reflection and thanks that I’ve learned several times over in life during some very difficult personal times and situations. Parents divorcing; a serious car accident; and of course, lost loves. Then there was September 11th, 2001; we mourned (and recovered) as a nation. But I was a middle-class white boy who held a good job, could pay my bills, and enjoyed life in general. So…
I WAS THANKFUL FOR WHAT I HAD.
In 2010, my first daughter was born at 28 weeks and spent seven months in the NICU between Anne Arundel Medical Center (two months) and Johns Hopkins (another five).
Every day I traveled to the hospital before and after work; and spent all hours of every weekend there, with her. Every. Single. Day. She even had open heart surgery at just five months old. That time of my life was excruciating…physically, mentally, emotionally. I imagine that it must be the same for the many doctors, nurses, and hospital staff that experience this every waking day…then and now. There was joy when we finally discharged as a family July 2011. Four years later, my daughter would suffer a stroke that paralyzed her left arm. Four months of in-patient rehab at Kennedy Krieger Institute fortunately saved her ability to walk. Other NICU babies and children at KKI weren’t as lucky as her in their struggles though. So…
I WAS THANKFUL FOR WHAT I HAD.
Sadly, she would pass away three years later after suffering a traumatic brain injury—a one-in-million accident that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. If that wasn’t the worst, then I don’t know what is. But her memory lives on forever; her inspiration lives on forever. And I was the father of an amazing human being. So…
I’M THANKFUL FOR WHAT I WILL ALWAYS HAVE.
Today, we read news stories—many sad, others hopeful—about how life has changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just when I think I’m having a hard day, I remember that things could be worse. I’m thankful that my wife, second daughter, and son have maintained their health and well-being overall. I’m still working hard. My friends and neighbors are well. So…
I’M THANKFUL FOR WHAT I HAVE.
And truly, with all sincerity and applause, none of us would be where we are today without the support networks and individuals—many, many of them—that continue to provide leadership, healthcare, and the necessary occupations that make everyday living, well…possible. And so, on the cover of this issue, we give more than a nod of thanks to our community of essential workers, do-gooders, good stories, and, you, our readers. We celebrate you all! Altogether, you give us hope, inspiration, and a semblance of normalcy. Because of you, we have so much. Thank you.
James Houck
Editorial Director
