We asked Americans what they’re thankful for this year and received some surprising answers. The surprise was not in the things they listed but in how often the urge to give thanks was set against a backdrop of hardship.
Separation from loved ones, illness, grief, unemployment, and even stress from the election seemed to heighten the sense of gratitude in many Americans this year. As with the earliest Thanksgiving celebrations, this year’s national day of gratitude seems to be enriched, not dampened, by the difficulties of the year gone by.
Family
Anticipation at having the entire family together was a point of thanks for nearly all of the folks we heard from, including Joe Jerrell, 49, and his daughter, Taylor, 20, of Noblesville, Indiana….