Editorial: Despite COVID-19, Thanksgiving is still a time to count our blessings

As we prepare for Thanksgiving this Thursday, we know that finding reasons to be thankful this year could be more challenging than usual.

Most of our tables will have empty chairs - whether because extended family members are staying away to stem the spread of COVID-19 or because we've lost someone to the virus or other causes during these painful past few months.

Still, it is more important than ever to count our blessings, to appreciate glimmers of light in dark times and to offer our thanks despite the darkness.

So, on Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for those who remain healthy. And we give thanks for those who have battled COVID-19 and recovered.

We give thanks for health care workers who risk their lives each day. And we give thanks for their families left to worry at home.

We give thanks for grocery store clerks who help us cook for our families. And we give thanks for restaurant workers willing - and often struggling - to do it for us.

We give thanks for the food on our Thanksgiving Day table. And we give thanks for the leftovers that will carry us through the weekend.

We give thanks for technology that allows us to stay in touch. And we give thanks for those who use it to brighten our lives.

We give thanks for walks along winding trails that fill our days. And we give thanks for binge-worthy TV shows that fill our nights.

We give thanks for community volunteers who help us and our neighbors. And we give thanks for organizations that fill so many needs.

We give thanks for teachers who persevere. And we give thanks for parents who pick up where the schools leave off.

We give thanks for furry friends providing comfort. And we give thanks for shelters caring for dogs and cats yet to find forever homes.

We give thanks for musicians and actors who share their talents online. And we give thanks for the platforms that showcase them.

We give thanks for warehouse workers who fill our online orders. And we give thanks for delivery drivers who bring them to our doors.

We give thanks for the military keeping us safe across the globe. And we give thanks for first responders keeping us safe at home.

We give thanks for leaders trying to prevent the pandemic's spread. And we give thanks for fellow Americans who followed the guidelines for the greater good.

We give thanks for researchers developing COVID-19 vaccines. And we give thanks for those who will help distribute them.

Finally, we give thanks for Thanksgivings past and present. And we give thanks for the hope we nurture now that we will get to spend the holiday together - safely - next year.