A COVID Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to celebrating with friends and family in a safe manner.

 A most unique Thanksgiving. My personal favorite as it is based upon friends and family, taking stock in what you are actually thankful for as opposed to the gift. It remains a pure holiday.

This year is different. We are in a bubble. The CDC has placed recommendations - restrictions with a serious goal of not further blowing up the sudden uptick in COVID

 

Dr. Anthony Fauci urged people gathering for Thanksgiving to think about how vulnerable people are in the home "and make a decision based on the level of risk that they want to put themselves through." This advice is applicable for more than just this immediate holiday. It is applicable to participating in group activities, such as the upcoming live State of the Village Address set for a mere week later. A head scratcher. Are we to sacrifice our family protective bubbles for something that certainly could be accomplished through a virtual gathering.  Oh, well, while some are doing their part to control spread, we are powerless to stop those who are COVID deniers, whose actions state that at least one local government sees the treat of COVID as a hoax - it not. It is real and many people are not going to have a good Thanksgiving due to the severe social and economic downturn that COVID has thrust upon them. Government hasn't missed a paycheck. Government needs to set the example. This is a time for leadership.

I enjoyed participating in the Turkey Trot in past years, but not this year. It is a COVID casualty. https://www.turkeytrotmiami.com/ 

To our valued Turkey Trot Miami family,

This year has been unlike anything we have ever experienced so we sincerely hope you and your family are safe, healthy and well. We hope you have found ways to stay positive, active and hopeful during this time.

We appreciate your patience as we navigate the uncertainty surrounding the return of large-scale athletic events. Unfortunately due to ongoing public safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Baptist Health Turkey Trot Miami 5K/10K scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 26, 2020.

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Nothing like earning those calories. Starting a long day with an early run. But I will adapt. Perhaps a solo or very small group ride done in a socially distanced and responsible manner. I will respect and do my part to fight the spread. And, in our own safe way, we, like millions of others across this great country, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, honoring a tradition older than the nation itself. 

The Continental Congress proclaimed that the "inhabitants of these states" observe a day of Thanksgiving back in 1782.  Ever since then we set this day aside to give thanks for all our blessings, and this year we have many things for which to be thankful.

Please also take the time to remember and help the less fortunate.  Many families and children are doing with less, Take the time to become involved in a local charity, with time, if not a donation. There are many ongoing charities that are looking for donations and volunteers.

There remains much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Alexandra, Katherine, Meredith and I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays. 

One of my personal favorite quotes about a holiday:

On Thanksgiving Day all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime.

– (author unknown)