{"id":2712,"date":"2020-11-24T14:33:39","date_gmt":"2020-11-24T22:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/?p=2712"},"modified":"2023-06-26T13:34:03","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T20:34:03","slug":"still-thankful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/2020\/11\/24\/still-thankful\/","title":{"rendered":"Still thankful"},"content":{"rendered":"

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We\u2019ve lost so much this year.\u00a0 Our young people have lost their schools, we\u2019ve lost live music and sporting events, and for now we\u2019ve even lost the ability to enjoy a meal in a restaurant.<\/p>\n

Worse than that, of course, are the lives lost.\u00a0 Whether from COVID, a fire, a car accident or simply the natural end of a long, well-lived life, there are big holes in the fabric of our community, and we grieve every single person\u00a0who has left us.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s there to be thankful for at Thanksgiving this year?\u00a0 In a word, plenty!<\/p>\n

While so much has been taken away from us, I\u2019m also mindful of a few things we\u2019ve gained.\u00a0 At the top of that list is a greater appreciation of what it means to connect with our loved ones.\u00a0 Can you imagine how happy we will be to embrace our friends, again, or comfort a loved one without a mask or plastic shield?\u00a0 It turns out the simple pleasures aren\u2019t really that simple, are they?<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also gained an even greater appreciation for our healthcare heroes. They are on the front lines every day, risking their lives for you and me.\u00a0 I\u2019m grateful for their expert care and remarkable sacrifice. This year shone a spectacular light on their life\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

I think the impact of quarantining at home has given many of us more shared meals around the kitchen table, and a resourcefulness that forced us to find joy and entertainment in different ways.\u00a0 Sales of board games have soared.\u00a0 Lauren and I are \u201cChristmas puzzlers\u201d \u2013 and they are in short supply, too!\u00a0 I hope that means more opportunities for families or \u201cpandemic pods\u201d to share a laugh or two.<\/p>\n

One bright side of the masking, hand washing and social distancing is that the \u201cregular\u201d flu we expect to hit at this time of year is occurring in fewer people. It appears to be an upside of our new hygiene protocols.\u00a0 That\u2019s a reason to be thankful!<\/p>\n

One of the things at the top of my things for which I am thankful is you! You and your County colleagues have impressed, inspired and humbled me over and over as you have adapted, shifted and created new and better ways to serve our residents during the pandemic.<\/p>\n

I know it\u2019s been a challenging year.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think any of us would have anticipated that nine months later we would still be in a battle with COVID.\u00a0 But you remain undaunted and determined to take care of those who call Pierce County home. Thank you!<\/p>\n

Although I\u2019ve posted this video before, I want to be sure to share it with those who may not have had the opportunity to enjoy it.\u00a0 It\u2019s something of a \u201cthank you\u201d note to you – for not missing a beat in making sure we are serving our residents to the best of your ability.\u00a0 Despite having turned our kitchen tables to student desks, and our homes to office workspaces or call centers, your perseverance and determination have made all the difference.<\/p>\n