Thanksgiving is around the corner, and in spite of the explosion of coronavirus cases in Lubbock, many of my friends are still going to gather with their families to eat and celebrate the holiday.

My mom called me and asked if I would be attending the holidays with them or if I was planning to stay away. The idea of not having thanksgiving with my family, especially when we are in the same city for once, almost brings tears to my eyes. But you know what would suck more? It would suck if my parents or anyone in my family got sick and died because I couldn't stand to miss out on my mom's green bean casserole.

During this holiday, I hope that we can take some time to remember what we are truly thankful for. Our families. Our friends. Our coworkers. The people that pick us up when we are down.

If we decide to forgo the holiday celebrations, we are much less likely to infect our loved ones or be infected ourselves. If we are truly thankful for these wonderful people in our lives, we must be more vigilant about social distancing and wearing masks.

During the first lockdown, I remember thinking things like: "Will anybody I know actually die from this? Is it really that big of a deal?"

Fast-forward 7 or 8 months into the future, and the answer to both questions is a resounding 'yes.'

Every time I turn around, it seems that someone else I know is diagnosed with the coronavirus, and while many people have a speedy recovery, others are not so lucky. Several of my friends are fighting for their lives in the hospital, and it seems like a huge slap in the face to them if I decide that going to a holiday celebration with my family at a time like this is okay.  It's flat out disrespectful to the men, women, and children in our community that are suffering, or have lost their battle with this terrible disease.

I only ask that you think of others before you head into a store without a mask, or before you go out to a packed bar this weekend. Even if you get it and survive, you may infect someone who will not withstand the power of this illness. Please take into consideration all of the people out there with compromised immune systems that are trying their best to stay healthy and safe. The blatant disregard for the lives of others has been very apparent in our city and is quite embarrassing. We can do better.

Plus, you can hang at home in your jammies and drink your weight in egg nog or whatever you fancy. You also get a free pass to avoid your in-laws, and who doesn't want that? Stay home. Stay safe.

KEEP READING: Creative Ways to Bring Joy to Your Neighborhood While Social Distancing

 

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