“I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.” (Unknown, Persian origin)

This may be the most difficult opinion piece I have written since becoming editor of the Parkland Press and the Northwestern Press weekly newspapers.

I have the honor of writing the Editor’s View for Christmas, the day Christians celebrate as the birthday of Christ the Lord.

However, for far too many, 2020 has been a devastating year, and I do not feel comfortable wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas.”

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, commonly known as the coronavirus, has killed thousands, and the shutdown of businesses, especially restaurants, bars, movie theaters and gyms, has caused the loss of much-needed income, and even homes, for families across the United States.

The number of families forced to use food pantries has increased dramatically.

According to Katrina Sundstrom in this week’s LVHN Community Partner feature, “Hunger hides in plain view, and it can be a very lonely situation to be in.”

Sundstrom is a co-founder and executive director of the Parkland C.A.R.E.S. Food Pantry in Orefield. The pantry is helping between 150 and 170 families, up from about 100 families before the COVID-19 virus hit in March.

School districts quickly adjusted to the pandemic, going with fully online or hybrid learning. But, what is not known, at this point, is how ultimately this will affect the total knowledge gained by students in this confusing and uncertain school year.

Some national news reports say there has been a dramatic increase in the number of students in the U.S. with failing grades.

Families have been decimated by the coronavirus.

The tragic loss of loved ones, jobs and homes; the upheaval caused by the on-again, off-again status of in-person education; the hunger felt by too many children - no, “Merry Christmas” does not feel appropriate.

So, what is left? Gratitude. Gratitude for what we do have.

We need to be grateful for the health care workers - the nurses, doctors, first responders - who have shown up to work every day, putting their own lives at risk.

We need to be grateful for the educators who have shown creativity and determination to ensure our kids an education, whatever the form.

We need to be grateful for the scientists who have been working around the clock to find a vaccine that will put an end to this forced isolation and fear.

We need to be grateful for all the volunteers who are giving their time and effort to others who have less.

We need to be grateful for the happy memories of loved ones lost and the new memories that will be made as innocent babies are born into a world forever changed by a year that will not soon be forgotten.

We need to be grateful for what we have - the love of family and friends - and, yes, the birth of the baby Jesus - the one who provides the hope that goodness will prevail over all evil, even the coronavirus.

So, I wish everyone a blessed day of gratitude.

May 2021 be a better year for all.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press