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I am Thankful

zolman

Updated: Dec 22, 2022









by Kathryn A. Zolman

Most would agree that the year 2020 started like any other year. As a working mom, I’d become accustomed to waking up early, hurrying off to work, scurrying to the grocery store, rushing home afterward, quickly preparing dinner, and frantically doing laundry and any other extra chores that needed to be done. Basically, being on the go all day, every day. This was normal. I’m sure I’m not alone, as this was probably the routine for many working moms. I didn’t realize how much 2020 would change my life. I recognize that everyone’s experience is different. This is my own personal story of the year 2020 and why I am thankful.


My husband and I were on vacation in the Florida Keys when the country started shutting down in March 2020. There were some news stories prior to our trip, but we didn’t give them much thought. Little did I know that I would be working from home for the next nineteen months upon returning home from vacation. It was very awkward at first. My dog didn’t understand why I was interrupting his daily naps, and technology quickly became my new best friend. Everyone rapidly figured out how to Zoom, and I figured out that my kitchen table chairs were highly uncomfortable.


Spring turned to Summer. Our six-year-old dog passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly. I was thankful I had been home with him for the three months leading up to his death. I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason. We may not always know or find out that reason, but I had to believe there was a reason behind his passing at such a young age.


I have always enjoyed going for walks, but now I am walking by myself and not being pulled behind our strong Doberman Pinscher. It was different. I do a lot of thinking while I walk. I listen to the birds, an airplane flying overhead, a far-off train whistle, and an occasional dog barking in the distance. I also look for signs from the universe, feathers mainly. It’s not unusual for me to find at least one feather every time I go for a walk.


One summer morning, while on a walk, I had an incredible wave of energy come over me. I felt immense gratitude. I was so grateful for so many things. My husband, my daughter, my parents, and my life! I realized that my life wasn’t being rushed and hurried any longer. I literally had time to stop and smell the roses.


Summer turned to Fall. My daughter met a young man that was about to become homeless. We couldn’t let that happen, so we welcomed him and his eight-year-old dog into our home. Recognizing that our dog would not have enjoyed another dog, especially a female, in the house, I finally understood the reason our boy had passed a few months prior. This was when Pineapple came into our lives. The sweetest dog with the most precious name I’ve ever met. Our kind-hearted gesture changed my life forever.


You can say the rest is history. Without the events of 2020 occurring, I never would have met Pineapple and heard the story of how she was named. I wouldn’t have written my children’s book. I wouldn’t have slowed down and discovered my newfound appreciation for life. I didn’t realize how much I needed a new normal. There is no denying that 2020 was challenging, yet I found my reasons to be thankful.











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