Everything!

Samantha is grateful for…

Everything each day as a happy and healthy four-year-old, like stuffed animals, dolls, toys, my room, mommy and daddy…

The Privilege to Quarantine

Stephanie is grateful for…

With the exception of my sister who works at Publix, most of my close family has had the ability to work from home. I’m incredibly grateful to have a home to quarantine IN, to have family close by so I don’t go insane, to have access to food we grow ourselves, to have more time to spend with our dog (Izzy) and cat (Lyra), and to be situated in such a way that I can still get work done from home.

Our growing family

Erik is grateful for…

In the tumultuous year that has been 2020, our family was given the greatest news of all — that it will be expanding! We learned in March that baby Oliver will be joining us, and that has brought so much light into our lives in a year that has had many dark moments. We are beyond grateful for this blessing, and look forward to paying this gratitude forward.

Connection!

Gabi is grateful for…

This crazy year has brought a greater sense of appreciation for the people that I have in my life. Thankfully, we have all found ways to stay connected throughout all the chaos, sometimes even more so than before! Whether it be through a birthday party via Zoom, an online family game night, or a good old phone call, I’m grateful that we can continue to spend time TOGETHER, even if we are physically apart.

My Education

Brooke is grateful for…

Despite having my last year of graduate school cut short by the pandemic, I am incredibly grateful for my education, family’s support, and my many wonderful experiences at the University of Florida. I am especially thankful to the Southern Scholarship Foundation and UF Career Connections Center, who played a pivotal role in my undergraduate and graduate experience.

Marrying My Best Friend

Suzi is grateful for…

Being able to have my dream wedding even during the COVID19 Pandemic. I am so grateful for all of my amazing family and friends who worked so hard to make my special day perfect. I am also grateful for Zoom so that everyone was able to watch the ceremony from a safe distance.

Puppy lessons

KC is grateful for…

I’m grateful for my dog and the new puppy my husband surprised us all with. No matter the challenges of our human days, these dogs lift spirits with their joy and unwavering instinct to live in the present moment. Being with them these days, I’ve found myself doing more of the same – and feeling gratitude for those moments and all those to come.

A new perspective on life.

Chris is grateful for…

In 2017, I suffered a stroke at 30 years old and had to spend a couple weeks in Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare ICU. That was a very trying time that was filled with so many thoughts and emotions and PAIN. That being said, after I was released and rehabilitated myself back to “normal” I had developed a much more positive outlook and respect for life. And with virtually ZERO lasting conditions from the stroke.

Thinking back, I have so much to be grateful for just in this story alone. I had access to the best doctors at TMH (1), which was made possible by the insurance plan I had with Capital Health Plan (2), which is supplied by my employer (3) and all my family and friends that were around me to give me the strength to WANT to get through it (4)…

My photo is a representation of perseverance.

Technology that allows us to connect with friends and family

Drew is grateful for…

This year has been full of disruptions and difficulties, but despite not being able to travel too far from home, we’ve been fortunate to connect with friends and family virtually. Earlier this year, we attended a live streamed wedding, we hosted multiple family game nights via Zoom, and even got to meet our baby cousin virtually through FaceTime — even though they live 2,000+ miles away. While it’s hard being apart, technology allows us to temporarily bridge that gap until we can safely get together again.