Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 It seems like this year keeps getting longer and longer, though just right around the corner is Christmas. Is this a year to remember or forget in your books? I want to forget it with every ounce of being I have, but I want to remember it all too. It hasn’t been easy. What was supposed be a month shutdown now has turned into eight months and going. Schools never reopened, and everything has been online. Life as we once knew it came to a stop and adjusted its sails. It didn’t tell us to put our anchor down and sit. It meant to go a different direction, which we did.

 Social distancing and wearing a mask has become a way of life at the moment. Also, gatherings, dining out, and going places are things of the past, for now. 

Yet 2020 brought more family time, getting to know one another, life slowed down, and puppies were brought into the homes to love. People were making their home a staycation or doing all those projects they said they would do if time only allowed it. Swimming pool businesses boomed. People were doing their backyards and getting swimming pools. 

Life may have slowed down enough so we could get back on track. It hasn’t been easy being home every day with my kids, autistic kids. But I am thankful I get to spend all this time with them. It’s true what they say. It’s all how you look at things. Is the glass 1/2 empty, or is it 1/2 full? 

I will not say something and sugar coat it and say life has been great. Many days I spend stressed as most mamas out there are, and I shed many tears. But I still wake up every day thankful for my family and all that I have around me. 2020 will pass, and life will be back in the fast lane, though I hope not as fast as it was going. 

Be safe, be healthy, stay calm, and most importantly, be thankful. 

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email
her at autismmomofboys@gmail.com.