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“Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day,” says author Robert Caspar Lintner. And while assigning expressions of thanks may indeed be the reality in many social circles, it would appear that the admirable trait still permeates though the great multitudes of conversations, even if it sometimes is limited to some collateral qualifiers. The year 2020 has produced some of the most formidable and unique challenges in our history. While we remain focused on moving forward, the last Thursday in November this year, as in past years, will be full of family meetings, dinners and celebrations of personal appreciation despite the turmoil of 2020.
Thanksgiving Day is the official Holiday for giving thanks since 1939, but the Day is much more than another day of rest from work, massive displays of food, drink, conversations and a respite from our daily routines. It is a day when we realize that regardless of the calamity that this year has brought us, we all have much more to be positive and thankful for as a society than ever before. As Charles Dickinson said in terms spoken from his time in history, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
Each year the Junction Creative Solutions Team (Junction) is encouraged to share feelings of personal appreciation on this Thanksgiving Day. Here are some of our contributions for 2020:
“Maybe my personal opinion on this is tinted by an inherent optimism, a required personal trait for anyone who has dedicated a career to entrepreneurship, that during even the most devastating aspects of this year’s pandemic, a perceived acceptance that the entirety of the challenges impacted each of us, though not equally, and by working together we will prevail and emerge out of the era with a new appreciation for our abundance of blessings. My most prominent appreciation is for my family, their unwavering love and their continuity of support. They are my most constant and revered blessing of all.”
“I’m thankful for my family, friends, and team members, and for the technology that allows us to connect and see each other when we can’t be together in person,” says Susan Lynam, Director of Accounts. “I’m grateful to have neighbors who have supported each other and found creative ways to create fun memories for our kids, and for the teachers who work tirelessly to adjust to new methods and help the kids feel at ease. Happy Thanksgiving to all!”
Melissa Crane, Project Manager expresses her thoughts this way. “This year, like everyone else, I’m especially thankful for my friends and family! Shared struggles and new challenges have taught us all to appreciate the little things we might have paid less mind to in other years. Though we had to learn to live life a little differently, I’m grateful for all the new memories we’ve made together this year.”
Cassidy Thomas believes that, “This year will always be remembered as a year of apprehensive challenges and unexpected changes by many. Although it has brought some unprecedented hardships, I will remember it for much more. As we approach a time of reflection and gratitude, I’m reminded of how thankful I am for the opportunities and memories this year presented. I will forever be grateful for the extended time with family and friends, my significant personal and professional growth, a degree from the University of Georgia, and the incredible team and clients I am blessed to work with every day at Junction. Without a doubt, 2020 has moved us to think about life from a new perspective and to count our blessings just a little more every day. Wishing everyone a Happy (and Healthy) Thanksgiving!”
“The year 2020 has definitely challenged our personal and professional lives, reshaped our perspectives yet reinforced our sense of gratitude,” says Julie Gareleck, Founder and CEO of Junction. “I am so thankful for my family, friends, and good health. I remain grateful for our Junction clients and the Junction team who have pressed forward in difficult times, and who are accomplishing great things amidst the chaos. May Thanksgiving this year and all years to follow bring you an abundance of reasons to be thankful each day. Happy Thanksgiving!”