Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate and be with your family and remember everything you are thankful for. Last year some families were not able to do their big celebrations as they have in the past because of COVID-19. Families were forced to put certain aspects of their lives on hold due to fear of getting members of their families with health issues sick. 

This year as things are starting to open back up again I am excited to be able to be with my family and not have to worry about being around my grandma and getting her sick, or seeing my great uncle and not having to wear a mask. I am excited to be able to talk to and see people who I haven’t seen in over a year. I am grateful for the fact I will be able to hug everyone I haven’t gotten to hug in a while. But, I will miss hugging one person that I cherish.

Around this time last year my best friend came down with COVID-19, being a three time cancer survivor it was hard for her to fight off the sickness. We lost her in late January to the virus. This year will be the first time I don’t receive a text from her or even hang out with her. I am excited at the fact I will be able to see my family but will have a heavy heart for those I have lost.  

COVID-19 has taken loved ones, such as teachers, parents or maybe even a classmate’s grandmother. As we go into the holiday season, these loved ones will be remembered and missed as it will be the first holiday without them. We should always remember those who are lost but also remember to be thankful for the time we did get to spend with them. 

I am thankful for the time I spent with my friend and I will forever cherish those memories and remember those times as I sit around with my family and reminisce on the year we have had, and as my family goes around the table and talks about who and what we are thankful for my answer will be time spent with Aspen.