Executive Director’s Thanksgiving Message

Thank you to the many volunteers who have served Thanksgiving dinner at House of Hope in the past. We look forward to having you back next year.

The year 2020 has been like no other in my recent memory. So many of us have lost our loved ones this year, some have lost jobs, incomes, and homes. In a year of discomfort and confusion, I draw upon the teaching I learned during my 12 years of attending Catholic School. One of the many things I learned was to be thankful and count my blessings in good times, bad times, and in the face of uncertainly.

This year I am thankful to have gotten to spend more time with my daughter. Our lives are always so busy, but this year life has moved at a much slower pace allowing us to eat dinner together, play board games, and binge-watch our favorite tv shows.

I am thankful for my extended family. This year we have bonded like never before and developed a newfound appreciation for each other.

I am thankful for technology that allows me to Facetime and have Zoom meetings with my extended family around the world. I cannot imagine this pandemic without Netflix, the internet, or even more importantly these days, Zoom and Facebook.

I am thankful for freedom and democracy. Our government — while not flawless — I feel is the best and truest democracy in history.

Finally, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve and to continue the legacy of the late Sister Connie and Sister Therese.

This year has been the “great leveler” for many of us. It has reinforced what matters and what does not. For me, what matters is people. Our residents, staff, volunteers, and supporters have come together like I have never seen before to help each other, show love, and to connect with one another which demonstrates the power of connection and the human spirit. The wonderful thing about the human spirit is its resilience in the face of adversity.

Today, our Thanksgiving celebrations will look and feel different. Yet, the message of Thanksgiving is especially important for us this year. It is a very strong nudge to encourage us to appreciate what we still have. Even with everything missing in our lives, we cannot refute the ways we are blessed.

I am choosing to give thanks despite the Pandemic. I hope you will too.

 

Stay safe and well,

Yaisa Hagood

Executive Director