As I type this, it’s Sunday of Thanksgiving Weekend. With that in mind, I figured that it was a perfect time for me to talk about what I’m thankful for this year.
I admit that I had a hard time compiling a list in my head. That’s how I operate. I very rarely write things down, except when it comes to my calendar. That thing can get pretty full pretty fast, but hey, it works.
This year and last year have been tough for us all. That’s another reason why I wanted to give thanks. I know several people (myself included) who continue to play it safe, despite venues expanding to full capacity. As much as I love music, movies, and sports, I don’t see myself going to any of those for quite some time.
When it comes to wheelchair accessibility, I know that many PWD were reasonably happy with the LRT. In my opinion, the LRT was far more wheelchair accessible and offers more space than a Para Transpo vehicle or an OC Transpo bus. However, as we all know by now, the LRT’s STILL down, and still no word on when it will be operating again.
Enough about that.
What am I thankful for in 2021.
First, I’m thankful that I was able to receive both shots of the Covid vaccine. While the process was extremely frustrating at the beginning, things went much smoother for my second shot. I also want to take this time to again thank Ottawa Public Health for continuing to keep us all safe. Also, thank you to the many nurses for giving us those much-needed vaccines.
Second, a big thank you to all of my PSW for continuing to come in for their shifts, and sometimes, more. Earlier this year, one of my long-time PSW left and moved away. This left a massive hole in the schedule and added stress. Everyone managed to work together, though, for better or for worse. Months later, things are slowly settling down, which is a big relief.
Third, I’m very thankful that I’m still able to wake up in my bed. As many of you probably know by now, the doctors told my parents that I’d only survive a year at birth. When given that grim outlook, it’s pretty easy for me to be thankful to be alive. I think that a lot of people take it for granted. As a person who lived at a Children’s Hospital for nineteen years, I learned at a very young age that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
Fourth, thank you to technology, and the people making them, especially adaptive technology. Without technology, I wouldn’t be alive, and none of you would be able to read this. Of course, there are also tons of other things that we, the people, wouldn’t be able to do.
Fifth, I want to take this time to thank both Ottawa Life Magazine and the Centretown Buzz for continuing to give me a space to discuss ongoing issues and concerns regarding people with disabilities. Thank you both for continuing your support in me and believing in me.
While I’m on the subject, I also want to thank the readers, both old and new. I appreciate you for taking a few moments to read my writings. I’ve also had the pleasure of chatting and meeting some of you, which is always pretty fun. I look forward to meeting more of you in the near future.
Sixth, I’m thankful to my friends that have stuck around throughout the pandemic. The ones who regularly check in on me through Social Media or in person. Without you, I’d be in a really bad place mentally. Sadly, I’ve lost many who I thought were friends during this pandemic for one reason or another.
Seventh, this is a strange one. I’m thankful for all of the streaming services. They’ve been a life-saver and a much-needed distraction when things are tough.
Eighth, I’m thankful for all of the nurses and healthcare workers continuing to work in hospitals. I know that it’s been challenging and continues to be.
Myself and many others truly appreciate all of you.
Eighth, and last but not least, I’m thankful for my family.
My brother passed away suddenly earlier this year. Without going into details, my family and I all had to pull together and do what needed to be done. It certainly wasn’t easy, but we’re a tough family.
For that, and for so much more, I am, and forever shall be, thankful.
Photo: hudsoncrafted, Pixabay
