Thanks to the many people who contributed thoughts of thanks in this holiday season.
Those of you who contributed may be interested to know that research has found that expressing gratitude leads to changes in brain activity, releases negative emotions, and creates better mental health. But the benefits of gratitude take time. Like exercise, practicing gratitude regularly is particularly helpful. May we all remain thankful.
Here are some of the many thoughts we received:
“The wonderful community of East Berlin, which I moved to in 2020 (after six years of waiting), along with enjoyment of all of the nearby communities.” D.R.
“I am grateful for a wonderful husband, a peaceful marriage, our family, our friends, our life on the farm” P.A “2,100 Adams County donors who gave 2.14 million to help 95 nonprofits at this year’s Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree. Their generosity is inspiring!” Ralph Serpe
“A healthy 93 year old Mom. Beautiful Adam’s County orchards that served as a backdrop for our son’s wedding on a gorgeous Oct. afternoon with our immediate family. Teachers that persist with their Herculean efforts to teach their students every day.” N.C
“In the staring darkness; I can hear the harshness; Of the cold wind blowing. I am warmly clad, And I’m very glad That I’ve got a home.” – Gerard Manley Hopkins” J. J.
“My faith in God.” R. K.
“Even with all the heartache, missing family, missing friends, I reflect in all my blessings from heaven above. My husband received a clean bill of health from cancer; my 87 year old mom has stayed healthy; all my family members have stayed Covid free; I am still employed and been able to work from home; and most important my faith has grown even stronger and God never left my side but carried me through the whole year.” S. M.
“The knowledge that once everything has returned to an actual state of normal rather than the emergency-generated “new normal” that Gettysburg will still be there. Perhaps some aspects may be a bit worse for the wear, but then again, that will apply to everyone and everything as well, providing a sense of end of the tunnel commonality.” Charles Flannery
“It wasn’t a war. I keep thinking of my father and all the brave men and women both in and out of the service who put up either rations, shortages and loneliness too. Those in Europe suffered so much more. We were fortunate to have cell phones and the likes of Zoom to stay in touch.” Amanda Day
“The health and good nature of my family. At the age of 75, my sister and her husband became grandparents for the first time when their 45-year-old son became a father for the first time. Baby Joseph was born nine weeks early, but had excellent care and is thriving. I’m thankful for our energetic young pastor who is working hard to make church be church for all of us, in whatever way works for us. I’m thankful that all of my family members have remained Covid-free and that friends who have contracted the virus have recovered.” Marietta Witt
“My family has remained healthy. My daughter works at UPMC in Harrisburg. She has remained healthy. I miss my children and grandsons. I will miss the Christmas gathering more than I did at Thanksgiving. I am grateful that we will have holidays and family time in 2021. Please stay safe and wear a mask,” Helen Cook
“…the fact that no one close to me contracted Covid-19. I’m grateful that both myself and my husband were able to continue working throughout the year, and were able to work from home when necessary. I’m grateful I was able to patronize local restaurants and businesses especially when only able to order takeout.” L. D.
“Meaningful work, reasonable health at our age, a loving family and smart friends all capable of silliness and care, a couple of acres here in Adams County to plant and marvel at the beauty of season changes, and connections to city life and books and art that sustain us even when we can’t be with other people.” Pam Cooper-White
“First and foremost, our health for sure. One can have everything life has to offer but without our health, we have nothing…Our immediate family and friends are all healthy, none affected by this horrible COVID 19 … The Canadian Government has provided great support, both financially and health coverage wise…And although we were not able to drive down to our home away from home, Gettysburg Connection kept us connected with what’s going on. Other sites as well provided much needed pictures of sights and sounds which was nice. And most importantly, the vaccine …… let’s get back to normal…” Roland Lefebvre