C O U N T I NG O UR
B L E S S I NG S Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday of mine. I would run around in the yard with my cousins until we heard the call that “Dinner was ready!” and made our way to the beautiful table spread that could “feed an army,” we always said. The kids would be consumed in giggles as the adults would reconnect, sharing the mountains and valleys of the year they’d had, while the most “seasoned” of the bunch were almost always found completely present, as if seeing younger versions of themselves in their kids and grandkids. I’d leave the house later that night feeling physically and emotionally “full.” After this tumultuous year, an attitude of thanksgiving seems like a tough bite to swallow, but there is power in having a thankful heart. Our festive tablescapes may look different this year and we may have fewer seats at the table, but in this trying season, let gratitude be your guide. The holiday season has been complicated by COVID-19 and the elders in our community are among the highest risk groups if social distancing guidelines are not in place. We’re all asking ourselves, “How can we be ‘home for the holidays’ from more than six feet apart?” Dr. Ben Bowman, the medical director of the Emergency Department at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, says, “I would recommend that everyone use their best 20
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judgment. It will be difficult to follow strict social distancing guidelines during the holidays, but I do believe it is important for families to be able to spend time together. I would recommend keeping the gatherings as small as possible.” For these small holiday gatherings, Bowman recommends getting a COVID-19 test prior to attending only if you are symptomatic or have had close contact with someone who tested positive. “Otherwise I do not believe asymptomatic individuals need to be tested without a known close contact. Special consideration should be given to higher-risk individuals, including those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing
“I do believe it is important for families to be able to spend time together. I would recommend keeping the gatherings as small as possible.” -Dr. Ben Bowman medical conditions. Try and use video conferencing to reach out to those that may not be able to attend,” said Bowman. Video calls allow family members to cook, eat and watch football together, while still being physically apart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] also recommends preparing traditional family recipes and delivering these in
