It’s Wednesday morning, December 16, and in just a few hours you will receive this message in your Inbox.

As I wrote in last week’s post, my 89-year-old father had major surgery last Tuesday. He was initially doing well following the surgery, but he experienced a serious setback over the weekend. Fortunately, he is back on track and we are looking forward to a dismissal in the days to come.

Through it all, my priority has been making sure my dad knows he can count on me. I want him to know I am in his corner advocating for him and his healthcare needs and cheering him on through the setbacks. It has required much of my time and attention this past week of which I was more than willing to give.

As I lay in bed this morning, I realized that in the midst of all that has been going on with my dad, I had not written today’s blog. I wondered what I could write or say with the little time I had.

It didn’t take long for an idea to come to mind. It’s something I’ve been wanting to say for quite some time and now seems like the best time to say it to you…

I know this past year has not gone like it was supposed to go. You miss the “normal” ways you do what you do. You miss seeing those you work with or serve in-person. You miss hugs, gentle touches and seeing the smiles behind the masks.

I know you have had to learn new ways to do what you do. All the technology you have had to learn to use has been confusing and frustrating. And perhaps you have had to learn all of this, alone, within the confines of your home.

I know you have experienced your share of major distractions while doing your job whether it be from home or on-site. You have had to figure out how to care for your infant or toddler or supervise your school-age children’s remote learning – all while trying to be a great employee yourself.

You have been worried. I know you have been. The worries have been endless. You’ve been worried about how you were going to pay the bills if you were furloughed or lost your job. Worried about keeping a roof over your head or putting food on the table. Worried about contracting the coronavirus. Worried about those who did contract the virus and those who lost a loved one because of it. Worried about the well-being of the students, families or clients you work with. Worried about the family and friends you were unable to see or care for in-person. There’s been so many worries.

I know you've been discouraged. Maybe you are still discouraged. You wonder when, or even if, life will ever feel normal again.

I know that you are tired. You are physically, emotionally, mentally and socially exhausted. It’s been a long and daunting year.

You’ve experienced loss. The loss of routines, social activities, relationships, employment, or even the loss of loved ones. I know it's why you have felt sadness or grief.

It’s been a really challenging year for you.

I don’t know your whole story, but I want you to know I still understand. I care.

I believe in you. You have talents and gifts that are important and appreciated. Your worth is immeasurable.

Give yourself credit. You have made it this far into the pandemic and while it hasn’t been easy or without its challenges, you are still here, fighting and pushing forward. So please, don't give up. You’ve got this!

Please also know that I am here for you. I’m in your corner. And just as I am for my dad, I am committed to being an advocate and cheerleader for YOU. You can count on it.

My wish for you today is that you find moments of joy, gratitude and love during the holidays. May you find some respite in the weeks to come and start the new year with a refreshed body, mind and spirit.

Thank you for being YOU and for making a difference in your corner of the world.

Happy holidays!   

P.S. Thank you for all the well wishes for my dad. I truly believe it's why he has overcome so much this past week. I want you to also know that I will be taking a 2-week respite myself and will not be writing my blog during this time. But, I will be back with my first blog of 2021 on January 6!  Cheers to a new year and a new beginning!