The people who are living today have never seen a year such as 2020. There was a deadly pandemic in 1918-1920 but there is no one left alive who remembers it. There have always been hard times, in both collectively for our nation, and among our communities and within our families. Yet people persevere through the times of trouble and continue to look forward to better days.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we realize this year Thanksgiving will be different. It is not supposed to be large family gatherings, as Americans have been asked to forgo those in favor of staying close to their day-to-day family group in an effort to not spread the virus further into the community. The older people are especially vulnerable, although this Covid-19 coronavirus has been shown to strike down even the most healthy among us. Some people will be lonely at Thanksgiving. This is sad.

This week the Advocate asked a few Maries County residents “What are you thankful for?” The answers were generally upbeat, hopeful and expressed caring for their family and good health as very important. 

The following are the comments we received:

Carma Helton—I’m thankful for good health, family, friends and living in Maries County.

Diana James—I’m thankful that Dad is still here after 97 years and in good health, and for the family and friends that help me.

Andrew Stratman—I’m thankful for my family for never giving up and always supportive.

Donna Knapp—I’m thankful for my family and so many things. I’m so thankful for Joe Biden.

Angie Dunlap—I’m thankful that I live in a country where people get to have a say in things. We have traditions for the peaceful transfer of power in our country and I’m thankful that system is in place.

Bonnie Prigge—I’m thankful for family and friends, especially in these times.

Becca Garro Eisterhold—I’m thankful for my children, my husband, and for good health.

Amber Bock—I’m thankful for my wonderful family and friends, and for my health.

Clara Sooter—I’m thankful for my family, my home, my job and (as she pointed to her current barber shop customers) for Johnny Hayes and Richard James.

Becky Ousley—I am thankful for my new grandson and that Kayleigh has served all her Covid patients. She’s in a better place now (in Arkansas).

Angie Hayes—I’m thankful for the health of my family and for a sweet little grandson. I’m warm, I’m fed and loved. What more could you ask for?

Bruce Struemph—I’ll be thankful when Trump gets back in there.

Beth Hollis—I’m thankful for my good health, my husband’s good health and my family, and hopefully the good health of everyone.

Deann Buschmann—I am thankful for my mother, very thankful for her. (Deann had a hard year as she was very sick with Covid for two months.)

Aggie Steinman—I’m thankful for my health and that I can still travel internationally. There are no plans now but I hope there will be sometime in the near future.

Emily Wansing—I’m thankful for God and family and our soon to be new arrival.

Connie Schmiedeskamp—I’m thankful for fresh air, clean water, and my friends and family.

Angie Stricklan—I am thankful my daughter is a respiratory therapist and she’s fighting this battle against Covid. I’m super proud of her. I’m thankful for the extra family time we’ve had (with children staying close to home). I look at the glass as half full. We’re eating more meals as a family.

Leona Williams—I am so thankful to not get that Covid yet. So many of my shows have been cancelled but I’ll be back in Branson Dec. 4 for the Grand Country Music Show. I’m happy Moe Bandy put my song, “It’s All Over Town” on his new album. I’m thankful we’re all healthy. Cover has been going through families.

Denine Bremer—I’m thankful for my family, my business, for God directing my steps, my mother, my health. I’m happy to be here. Every morning I thank God for another day.