We’ve had a really hard year, and our region is facing a difficult situation. Many people are frustrated, tired and scared. We have sacrificed time with friends and family, we have been lonely, business owners have suffered financially. And while some of us have been able to work from home, many others have been on the front line in jobs that require them to be more exposed. Health care workers, grocery and pharmacy workers, transit drivers, teachers, construction workers and essential services like shelters and support organizations have kept showing up and helping us all to stay healthy and safe.
How do we thank the people who are making the sacrifices and taking risks for their communities? I think one of the best ways we say thank you is to continue to ensure that we stay safe and don’t get sick with Covid-19 ourselves. By limiting our contacts, staying physically distanced, wearing a mask and staying home when we are sick, we are showing gratitude to the people on the front line. All these measures help stop the spread of the virus and protect the people in our communities that are working so hard for all of us.
Our individual actions matter. And I have learned that even the smallest kindnesses go a long way. I am so grateful for the people who are checking on the isolated, driving the school bus, making the care packages or serving on the front lines. I am so grateful to the small businesses that stay positive and have adapted to serve their goods or services in new ways. What an amazing region we have.
But we can all play a part. Shop local, reach out to the isolated, send a card or note or gift in the mail. Let each other know that even though we are not together physically, we hold each other close in our hearts.
The light is shining. Today, our government approved a third vaccine and more doses are on the way. People are getting vaccinated, lives are being saved and we are getting better at fighting this virus. So let’s keep pulling together over the finish line. I know we can do it, together.
