Thanksgiving and gratitude in spite of the horror

 When I first came to this country I used to say "I don't celebrate Thanksgiving, its not a tradition I grew up with" and other ignorant statements.

I didn't see how this holiday, which is supposedly based on the kindness of the native Americans, related to me. So for a while it had as much significance to me as the UK 'Bank Holidays' basically, just a day off.

But over the years I have come to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of this American holiday.

I used to say to my American friends "well, you know in England Christmas is the biggest holiday, that's when we all get together". But it isn't the same. The exchange of gifts and all the shopping and the glitter, take front and center stage at Christmas.

Thanksgiving is a day when family and friends gather and share food and love. Nothing more, nothing less.

It is interesting that the whole world has taken on the concept of 'Black (read money) Friday' but not the essence of the day before. The day, when Americans of all stripes go any distance to be with their families and all their family members show up warts, family tension and all. 

It used to amaze me when I would hear on the TV how, 3 times more people travel in the US for Thanksgiving than Christmas. But now I understand it and its significance, it is truly the best holiday and worthy of celebration. Even if this year it has to be done by zoom.

This morning a patient touched me deeply when she thanked me for my emails and my work. It made me realize that I too should say thank you. This kind of encouragement keeps me churning these out.

I truly appreciate and am honored by all the trust and support I have received over the past 30 years.

I am deeply grateful that I have a loving and supportive husband. He always allows me to do what I feel I need to, for my patients (it's his birthday today :).

I am grateful to be alive when many of my colleagues and nearly 1.5 million people have died from Covid. People who had no idea that they would not be here this Thanksgiving.The depth of this plague is mind boggling but it is up to us to defeat it, hopefully sooner than later.

Enjoy the festive season and let's hope 2021 is better for the whole world. I will certainly try to do my part.

Love 

Dr. Tuakli