Publisher's Pen - Blessings

This year as I think of Thanksgiving, and the many blessings that we have to be thankful for, I can’t help but be reminded of our circumstances since March. It has certainly been a very different year up to Thanksgiving. I still take the opportunity to be reminded daily of what I have to be thankful for in so many ways.

I thought it would be difficult for me to write about being thankful, but it’s the opposite. It has been a trying and challenging time for all of us. Many of us have endured medical issues in our families that restricted our contact with our loved ones as we faced hard and difficult decisions. But... many of us as well can give thanks that we endured those circumstances, held together in a way that we never could have guessed and came out the other side with thanks of recovery, a different perspective of life and of the things to come, and a closeness that we are indeed thankful for. We waved thru windows, talked on phones, video chatted, and made it work. Our spirit may have taken a hit some days but in the end, we figured it out. I also know that we have lost loved ones in our community to not only the cycle of life, medical emergencies, but this awful virus, Covid 19. No matter you’re beliefs of where we are as a state, do your part and take great care of your family and neighbors. Reach out in the best way we can, or just use your voice and be that person that supports and offers something for those in need, or simply be that voice across the yard or phone that offers human contact and comfort. Many are alone and isolated and we must be that “one” that can make a difference in someone’s life. We are thankful for you and those extra efforts in this crazy time. For those of us that have businesses, it has and continues to be a challenge. For us here at the paper, we are essential, but spend many days behind closed doors, not having that daily contact and visits from our customers. For many, they simply had to close their doors and suffered a total loss of income during that time. It has affected our revenues and dipped into the barrel, but for us, we managed to put out a publication every week for our readers and community. We have had to report weekly, news of a pandemic that has affected our community, nation and world. We have worked with reduced and absent staff as they faced their own family hardships, but... I am thankful that through it all we are still on track with keeping our communities informed of local and national news as well as reminding you to shop local with our advertiser’s specials. Be thankful, as hard as it seems sometimes, that we have seen fellowship and support from so many groups and organizations. Be thankful when reading this that we have persevered and must continue to be safe, smart, and conscious of all that affects us every day, all around us. I am thankful for my beautiful family and miss them dearly, I am thankful for a staff that has the heart and dedication to get our important work done, the readers and advertisers that support our business, and I’m thankful to be a part of where I call home, Mountain Home, Idaho, as I witness the good deeds every day. I know our Thanksgiving tables may not be as crowded this year, but I just know it will get better as we get through the next few months. Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Thankful ~ Brenda

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