Compiled by Anna Weaver
Hawaii Catholic Herald
In anticipation of Thanksgiving, we asked our readers to submit their unexpected moments of gratitude that have emerged during the pandemic so far. Here are four responses:
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
Under one roof
By Caren Sue Argenzia
Kapolei
Very blessed and grateful my ohana is under one roof for Thanksgiving.
Family zooming
By Gary Okino
Aiea
Our men’s ministry at our church has had to turn to virtual meetings to conduct our program because of the pandemic. While helping me to learn to navigate through the Zoom meeting app, my son commented that this might be a good way for our whole family to get together.
That comment turned on my light bulb: With our family so dispersed (one in California), and with everyone so busy with activities with their children, it was difficult to meet together with everyone except during the holidays. But these gatherings were focused more on the social, and what little spiritual elements we could work in was limited to praying for the family and the food before everyone got into the eating and socializing.
But, now with everyone locked down in our homes, looking for something to do, it has now become easy to meet virtually and to dedicate the entire time to the spiritual, which I always yearned to do. So now we meet weekly on our computers to discuss Scripture (the Mass readings) and to pray the rosary as a family. We are growing closer and closer to God with every family Zoom meeting. Is God amazing or what?
The Carlos kids at Malaekahana (Courtesy photo)
Beach memories
By Suzanne Carlos
Pearl City
Our family of six was cooped up at home for five long weeks during Hawaii’s stay-at-home order. Once the governor reopened the beaches in May, we couldn’t wait to get out of the house and straight to our favorite beach — Malaekahana.
The bright blue ocean, the fluffy white clouds, the salty wind and the hot sand — they woke up our senses with a jolt and filled us with so much joy and happiness. We went to the beach every single week this past summer. I hope this is what our children remember of the summer of 2020.
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Sitting out the SAT
Susanna Rivera
Hilo
Thank you from those students who worry that their SAT and ACT scores could negatively affect their being accepted by the college of their choice. Because of COVID-19, most schools are saying tests are optional this year!