Chapter 1: A Year Like No Other

The year 2020 has been a challenging chapter for nearly everyone worldwide, myself included. Just three weeks ago, my parents were diagnosed with COVID-19. It began with my mother, followed by my father just three days later. His condition deteriorated quickly, prompting his primary care physician to suggest hospitalization. Fortunately, he responded positively to the multiple treatments administered and is now recuperating at home. It's been over two weeks since his initial positive test, and while he feels better, he remains contagious. His body is likely still producing antibodies, battling the virus. Oddly enough, this may not seem like a fitting prelude to a Thanksgiving message, but bear with me.

I haven't seen my parents in over a year—428 days, to be precise. My sister has also been absent from my life for nearly the same duration—403 days and counting. My partner, who is also an internal medicine resident, faces a similar situation. Throughout our physical separation, she has been on the frontlines, treating COVID-19 patients. Her hours have been extended beyond reasonable limits, turning breaks into a mere myth in her exhausting cycle of hospital, sleep, and hospital again. Each day, she risks exposure to the virus, which could severely impact her health. Instead of being by her side for support, I'm left to cheer her on from afar, all while managing my own worries about her safety.

Despite my somewhat melancholic narrative, I recognize that I am among the fortunate ones navigating this pandemic. I possess a stable job that allows for remote work and have the privilege of isolating as needed. The grief experienced by countless individuals who have lost loved ones or suffered long-lasting effects from severe infections is beyond my comprehension. Truly, 2020 has been a year of unprecedented hardship.

Amidst these challenges, I was unexpectedly filled with gratitude this Thanksgiving. In fact, I feel more thankful now than I have in the past seven Thanksgivings.

I am profoundly appreciative of the entire healthcare system—from nurses and hospital staff to physicians and laboratory scientists who have developed tests, treatments, and vaccines for this virus. They are illuminating a path through this dark and isolating time.

To begin with, my gratitude extends to the seasoned physicians who have faced personal risks greater than most. While I lack empirical evidence, I believe that experience plays a crucial role in medicine, particularly in treating COVID-19 patients. It’s inspiring to see many of these healthcare professionals, despite their wealth, dedicate themselves to patient care and pandemic solutions out of genuine calling and sense of duty.

Above all, I am immensely thankful for science and the scientists behind it. This remarkable group has worked tirelessly, developing moderately effective antivirals like remdesivir, uncovering critical insights about the virus, and introducing vital interventions such as dexamethasone and anticoagulants. They have equipped physicians with more advanced treatments, including monoclonal antibodies. Most notably, they have successfully developed and tested several COVID-19 vaccines that are on the verge of approval. I am in awe of the exceptional work done by teams at BioNTech, Pfizer, Moderna, Oxford University, and AstraZeneca. It’s staggering to think that in just about nine months—a time frame comparable to completing a master’s dissertation—science has made significant strides in combating this dreadful illness. As the saying goes, "There are decades where seemingly nothing happens; and there are months where seemingly decades happen."

While it may seem peculiar for me to commend biotech scientists, especially since I am part of this industry, the pandemic has only intensified my pride in our field. The innovative research being conducted by scientists in both industry and academia serves as a beacon of hope during these trying times.

Finally, I am grateful for the technologists who have created exceptional means for us to connect despite physical separation—FaceTime, Teleparty, Zoom, and others. My partner and I have recently started watching "The Crown" together via Teleparty. While royal decorum isn't usually my style—comfy shorts and a t-shirt are more my speed—this viewing experience has inspired me to borrow a phrase from British culture and adapt it for Thanksgiving: God save the scientists!

Section 1.1: The Role of Gratitude in Tough Times

Gratitude can serve as a powerful antidote during challenging periods. Acknowledging the efforts of those around us can provide comfort and hope, especially when faced with adversity.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Connection

Chapter 2: Honoring Science and Technology

In this inspiring video, President Russell M. Nelson discusses the transformative power of gratitude, emphasizing how it can uplift us even in the darkest times.

This Thanksgiving concert, "Grateful Heart," celebrates the spirit of gratitude through music, reminding us of the joy and hope that come from being thankful.