WHY I GIVE THANKS: Emerging from pandemic season with gratitude

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted many of us in various ways. There have been times of great sorrow. But it has also provided me the opportunity to recognize who and what is important in my life. Despite the losses, I have much to be thankful for.

Nov. 19, 2020. The phone call I never wanted to receive. It was my 96-year-old-mother. “I have COVID. I can’t taste or smell anything. My throat hurts, I ache all over and I can’t stop coughing.” I could tell from her voice she was scared — and so was I.

My eight siblings and I, along with Mom, had discussed previously what our options would be if Mom got COVID, so we had a general plan. Mom made it very clear she did not want to leave her apartment, and we would try to make that happen. Early the next morning, my EMT niece Katie and I were there with face shields, masks and gloves. “Grandma, if you can keep your temperature down and oximeter readings good, I think we can keep you out of the hospital. It’s important that you rest, stay hydrated and eat, even though you can’t taste.”

Twice a day I did “window” visits and then reported out to my siblings. In between visits, I walked … and walked … and walked. Breathing fresh air and moving brought a sense of comfort and peace. I found myself being so thankful that my mom was alive and not getting worse.

After many days, Mom started to look and feel better, and she even seemed interested in a Thanksgiving dinner. It was 46 degrees, and I was sitting on a planter outside Mom’s apartment window, eating cold turkey and watching my mother enjoying her meal, despite not being able to taste much. It was absolutely the best Thanksgiving I’ve ever had! As I write this and think back on those dark days, I am so thankful for my family and friends. They provided support in so many ways — an apartment to stay in, food delivered to my door, listening to my fears, sharing my tears, providing wise medical advice, bringing me clothes, taking care of our home and the dogs, checking in with me and asking how they could help.

Many of you know, being quarantined is challenging and very lonely. I had support, but I needed something more, and my partner, Harlan, knew exactly what that was. A dog visit! We met halfway between Appleton and Shawano, and Magic, one of our curly-coated retrievers, was out of the car and in my arms almost immediately. Canine hugs and kisses! Just what I needed! I returned to the apartment rejuvenated.

Heidi, Winter, Lakota, Jasper, Magic, Morgan and Sister. I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from each one of these rescue dogs. They’re loyal, transparent, are always glad to see us and show unconditional love. They love to play, eat snacks, make us laugh and are always up for an adventure. They read our emotions and respond accordingly. They are good listeners and “stress-busters.” Their only fault is they don’t live long enough. I recognize that these characteristics also describe my friends and family. I hope they take that as the ultimate compliment!

The yearlong isolation was difficult for me at times; I thrive on in-person interactions. However, my energy channeled into endeavors that demanded creativity, planning and organization, hands-on physical activities and limited small group projects as well as learning new-to-me possibilities such as Zoom meetings. I’m thankful these challenges resulted in satisfying personal growth, group accomplishments and, often, community improvements.

It’s snowing today, and my favorite season is coming. It’s time to start the outdoor wood stove, and I smile as I look at the wood I’ve stacked — plenty for 2022. Mom is back to baking, sewing, quilting, rosemaling, walking, exercising and cheering for the Packers. I will take a hike with my faithful companion, Morgan. I will text pictures from the forest to my friends and family and give silent thanks for the educators, health care workers, essential workers and volunteers who have worked so diligently to help us though these trying times.

Matty Mathison is a longtime Shawano County resident and a key member of Shawano Pathways.