By Jerri Glover

Here we are in episode 11 of 2020, also known as November. This has been quite the year. Most of us are looking at Thanksgiving very differently this year. Usually we gather with family and/or friends in large numbers, stuff ourselves to the point of food coma and watch a variety of parades, sports and holiday specials.

This year many have made the decision to forego large gatherings in favor of smaller, “bubbled” gatherings. Tables may be a little less glutinous. New traditions may be discovered.

It is hard to celebrate when I know so many who are experiencing the holidays without a loved one or with someone who is ill. There are many without jobs, without food and in danger of being homeless due to the pandemic. Even thinking about the gift giving occasions forthcoming is overwhelming.

There was a little something else that happened this year called an election. The politics became so polarizing that friends and loved ones became estranged over it. I will not pretend that I did not experience this myself. For my own mental health and staying true to my beliefs there were many that did not make the social media cut. I took a multi-week break from Facebook. While I am as passionate as the next person about my support of a candidate and political beliefs, I try very hard to not be unkind about it. The name calling, venomous statements and lashing out was more than I could handle.

I hope, now that we are past it, whether or not your “side” won, we can return to a spirit of gratitude and civility toward one another. There are things I cannot forgive such as treating ANYONE less than because of the color of their skin, their gender, whom they love or where they were born. We are all human beings and deserve to be treated the same, one neighbor to the next. This holiday season consider giving the gift of kindness to everyone. Try to practice what your parents and grandparents preached—If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Seek out the opportunity, to say something uplifting and kind.

For me and my family we get to celebrate our first Thanksgiving with our granddaughter who is just over one year old and every day is a new day of discovery for her and us. She will experience turkey, dressing and many holiday favorites for the first time. My goal is to see the holiday through her eyes. Full of wonder, joy and excitement. I remain so very grateful for all we have.

We here in the Glover house wish all of you a season of gratitude, happiness and health. Build new traditions and make new memories.

Remember to wear your mask, wash your hands, stay home when you can.