This time of year is when we celebrate a holiday with a name that includes both Giving and Thanks. And despite what you have been thinking, we need to. The year 2020 has offered up some of the most daunting challenges.

An economy that was doing so well that our growth was only held back by the lack of additional people.

Then we get hit with an international pandemic. It started on a week that held a Friday the 13th, a full moon, and Daylight Savings kicked in! What did we expect?

Record unemployment, lockdowns, stay at home orders, and masks.

As essential workers we and others kept our jobs, but that in and of itself led to a different level of stress.

Truly unnerving and totally intimidating. But here we are. November of a year that we will all remember for a long time. Just about when I want to start a ‘Woe is me’ tantrum, I force myself to remember that my circumstances are in pretty good shape especially by comparison to many others.

I am still gainfully employed, and it feels like I will remain that way at least for a while.

My co-workers, colleagues, and friends are still employed. More good stuff.

My Family (for the most part) has remained healthy and are as employed as they care to be. Another good one.

My work family has remained mostly healthy (as have their families) and have gone out into the world and made safe water for untold numbers of families. Amazing!

I could not be prouder or more thankful for having the opportunity to work alongside (though socially distanced) the HEROS of IFM!

Five bullet points, but I could certainly come up with many more.

As I shut down my cantankerous ruminations, I truly do have much to give thanks for.
Friends. Family. Colleagues. Health. A job. Remember to Give Thanks and count your blessings.

Wishing all of you a healthy and safe holiday season!

–RB