There is Always Something to be Grateful for

I woke up this morning at 4am to the sound of a thunderstorm.  I couldn't go back to sleep.  And, thought right away that this is going to be a long day.  Then I thought of the last two days full of sunshine.  I was able to go out yesterday to pick up food at Joe Leone's, where they put the food right in your trunk.  And, I also had to stop at Dairy Queen, because they have a drive thru.  Across the street gas was $1.93.  I got a text from my cousin who works at a lab in a hospital in north Jersey.  She came to my mom's memorial service, and said the virus is coming and they are ready.  She has been testing in a lab in a hospital ever since.  I am so proud of her and thankful to people like her.  I am proud of parents, who are home-schooling their children.  I am proud of teachers who are teaching virtually.  Yesterday, the President's press conference ended on a note thankfulness for teachers, too.  The hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, and urgent care have been working non-stop.  The doctors and nurses, who are giving up time at home, so they don't infect their families.  The food stores with the workers who sell the food and the truckers who make sure there are products to sell on the shelves.  To the workers who fill the shelves, and have to hear endless complaints of why we can only have one paper product.  Then there are the others who have provided the entertainment for us.  Think of the comedians who live to make you laugh.  Or the musicians, who feed off their live audiences, they are starving to hear the sounds of an audience appreciation for them.  Think of the restaurants and bars who can't satisfy their customers.  And, all those non-essential workers who are doing their job, by not leaving their houses.  I wake up every morning and say my prayers of mostly thankfulness.
But, I feel it isn't enough.  Is this really fair?    Most of all, I am praying for anyone who is sick to have the strength to fight this.  I am thankful the tests are getting faster results and more people can be tested.  I pray for those who have passed away, and their family and friends who have to grieve in a new way.  I pray our prayers are enough to get through this.  From the bottom of my heart I am thankful for everyone and everything in my life.  I hope to take that away from this, that no matter how bad it gets, there is always, always something to be thankful for.

Quote of the day:  “Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Invite one to stay.” – Maya Angelou

Song of the day:  Shine a little light by the Black Keys