It’s been a rough year. As Dan would say, “that’s hardly bulletin material.” But for many, today is extra hard. Many are separated from their families at Thanksgiving for the first time in years as they try to keep loved ones safe by staying apart.

But then we can’t help but think about the more than 260,000 families who lost loved ones this year from coronavirus. So while remembering those who are no longer with us is first and foremost on our thoughts today, we also wanted to find some reasons to be thankful. We hope you are able to do the same.

Here are some reasons why we, at News & Guts are giving thanks:

-Our readers. We are so grateful for each and every one of you who read our posts, and share your own thoughts on Facebook, Twitter or simply visit the site each day and share our content with friends.

-We are thankful for our own family and friends. This year really put these relationships into perspective more than ever. We will be reaching out to loved ones today through a Zoom, phone calls and texts. It’s a good day to let people know you are thinking of them.

-We are thankful for all the food pantries that are feeding those who are hungry this week (and always). Lines have been long for those in need and if you are able to, we hope you found a way to help those in your own community.

-We are so grateful to healthcare workers and first responders, as well as grocery store workers and everyone else who has sacrificed so much over these last nine months to work hard.

-We are thankful that the election this year was one of the safest in history, despite what the Tweeter-in-chief says.

-We are thankful that the next administration will put emphasis on climate change. We love our planet and those who take care of it.

-A huge thank you to those who worked hard to come up with a coronavirus vaccine that will hopefully be safe and effective.

-We are thankful for Dan Rather and his even-keeled advice to stay “steady” this past year. He is “What Unites Us.”

-Lastly, we are thankful for a future which includes a quieter government, a healthy population, and a speedy recovery to our economy. And here’s hoping we can safely celebrate Thanksgiving 2021 in person, with the ones we love. Happy Thanksgiving!