Stories of Gratitude

We should all be grateful to our many neighbors who are currently working so hard in our supermarkets. They are working around the clock to make sure that we all have the food and home products that nourish us, comfort us and make our lives easier.

They are there in the early morning getting ready for seniors and pack countless bags of groceries for pickup and delivery. Let’s all make sure to thank these folks for their important service to our community. ~Carol S.

This Monday morning, I woke up depressed about life, but as I walked my dogs, I came across many messages written with colored chalk all over sidewalks and on family driveways around homes in the area. These were drawn and written by local families and friends. There were happy faces and messages, like “Happiness comes from inside.”

As I walked, I saw children's messages and drawings to cheer me up, and beautiful artistic renditions of various parts of nature by true artists. But the thing that cheered me up the most was realizing that there were many others in my world reaching out to help and spread cheer instead of fear. Thank you all! Your efforts helped me! ~Cathy A.

What an amazing thing that the Utah Food Bank has done by being able to help so many people this past year. I am sure they do so much not just in Covid times. I was able to be a part of receiving food from the food bank. A friend and I go almost every week to one of the food drop-offs. It is a couple hours of our day, but it was so great to get so much food. We were able to share so much of what we received. Some weeks we were able to share what we got with 4-5 other households. I am grateful to be able to have the time to go and share with others that may not have the availability to go and receive food. ~Micki T. - Micki Sews It

My wife Jill, after several months of being in pain and medical treatment, had to go through a back surgery, in August, which worked okay, but later we learned she needed a second surgery (November).

We love S&S and Sags! They have been so good to us and especially this Christmas when they surprised us with some gifts for our family! This year I had two back surgeries and it’s been tough. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You brightened our lives and brought us joy! You made us cry and you made my daughters so happy with the toys and clothes. ~Elias H.

“Without your brave efforts, we would not be warm, fed, or have peace of mind”

Being part of a vibrant social media family on Twitter has kept me connected to my colleagues and community although we are currently separated due to physical distancing. Grateful to all the dedicated patient advocates who are sharing information and providing education about well-being and COVID-19 related issues to keep us healthy and safe as we work together to support our community during this pandemic. ~Ian W.

Two daughters of ours are taking online classes at Idaho Learning Academy, or IDLA. The teachers considered that some students might be out of internet for a few weeks with the library closure. So, they took off the point deduction policy for late submission for the entire semester. This relieved our daughters’ minds as well as ours while we got adjusted to this new lifestyle and kept updated to the news.

Thank you for all your service. Take care.

~June W.

We are retired. We would most sincerely like to thank the countless people of our small town who have enabled us to deal with this incredibly difficult situation.

Without your brave efforts, we would not be warm, fed, or have the peace of mind knowing that there is a hospital down the street with people working and willing to put themselves in harm’s way for our benefit. Thank you.

~Ken P.

It was a pretty crazy year! I live in a 4-plex, so my front door is right next to my neighbor’s door. I was talking with a friend in my house and there was a knock at my neighbor’s door. I looked out to see if I could see anyone. There was no one there but when my friend left, we saw a gift left for my neighbor. A few minutes later my neighbor knocked on my door and asked if I had seen who left the gift. I told him I hadn’t seen anyone. He was super happy! He said that gift included $200! He was so excited, so humble and so grateful!

I am glad that I didn’t see who dropped the gift off because that generous person gets to remain anonymous and that is so cool!

~Micki T. - Micki Sews It

I got this note today from an Assistant Principal at another Jr. High in my district. I’ve never met him before, but I sure do appreciate him reaching out to me. I may have teared up a little. It’s easy to forget the difference a teacher can make in this crazy world. More teachers need to

“Esther, we just had <a talk with student’s parents>. I just want you to know that his mother spoke so highly of you and the math service he is receiving online. With all the frustration and uncertainty in our covid world, you are doing some serious good. You are a gem, keep up the good work!” -Assistant Principal ~Esther Z.

The director of our Dept. Wellness program did weekly Zoom calls with our department during the COVID crisis. These were super helpful for building morale, positive culture, and supporting radiologists and staff. It was a bright spot in the week for many and even helped us meet each other during breakout room parts of the call. Our dept. is so big and there are not a lot of opportunities to interact. This was a huge positive during a very challenging time. ~David F.

Today I am thankful for teachers. I have had so many teachers in my own life that I have learned so much from both when I was in school and teachers, I taught with that taught me everything about teaching. I love and appreciate all my kids amazing teachers. Each one of them have loved on my kiddos, making school great for them. I especially am thankful for my kid’s teachers this year. They have made this crazy year absolutely incredible. So, to all my teacher friendsthank you... for being YOU!

~Stephanie K.

I live by myself. I have amazing neighbors! Always checking in on me and vice versa. I have been able to become so much closer to them this past year. Relying on each other for so many things. One day after it was mandated for two weeks that households shouldn’t mingle. I kind of lost it. I was now officially not allowed to be in contact with people. That day was a huge struggle for me. My neighbor had helped me that day with something. I started crying and she gave me a big hug! Because we had been connecting so much, she considered me part of her household! Thank you to great neighbors for loving me!

~Sue T. - My City Chamber

I took the picture from the view of exiting the elevator to the second floor of my condo building. One of our neighbors started this thoughtful gesture to assist delivery drivers, but it has since changed into a snack station for those who may be uncomfortable to venture to the stores. It has grown from a basket to a small set of shelves.

I first noticed the display on March 23, 2020 and it is still being used today. Some people take items and then others will replenish the shelving with other or different supplies.

~Todd H.

We rushed our father to the Intermountain Medical Center. Due to the COVID-19 protocols, we couldn’t be with him there or when he was transferred to the coronary ICU in critical condition.

The doctors were excellent though and cognizant of the difficulty of being separated at such a crucial time. They allowed us to wait in the waiting room for a while that first night, updating us about the medical procedures and allowing us a few precious minutes to say goodbye.

For the next four days the nurses and doctors updated us by phone as we called in every three to four hours. They were patient and kind with our inquiries and questions and the night nurse even took the time to read a note to our dad sent via email from our family. The doctor we worked with most was skilled and compassionate, taking time with our dad and us, making sure that all was as right as it could be.

During his last hours, we were mercifully allowed to see him for a bit and then his thoughtful nurse reassured us that she would stay with him and she did, comforting and reassuring him as he took his last breath. Dad’s passing was not like we always thought it would be — with all the family gathered at his bedside — but COVID-19 gave us the opportunity to see angels here just as our Dad is now seeing them there.

- Noel T.