A Tale of Gratitude...

Hello, it's Trevor here with our April tale. Brenda was having a hard time, coming up with a subject for this month. We are in the middle of a pandemic, something that many of us did not see coming, or could even imagine, ever having to experience. I'm setting the stage for this particular tale, because it centers around, what I just mentioned.

Brenda has been most impressed by many events that have taken place, over the past month. One of  those are daily press conferences on COVID19, with the Governor from our great state of North Dakota, Doug Burgum. Brenda was inspired to have me share this blog post, because of the fact that during his press conferences, he always ends with something relating to Gratitude. It might be a quote, or thanking someone for all the hard work they are doing, during this time. He even has recognized several organizations. He has a great team, or as he refers to them: #TeamND. We are so proud to live in this great state, especially at this time.

Brenda wants this blog post to be positive and hopeful. There is always HOPE! With that, we begin our take on Gratitude, inspired by Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota,

Brenda was born and raised in North Dakota, so this is home. She grew up in a small town, so she understands the community spirit. The Governor even mentioned something one day, and we noticed he was getting emotional, so were we. He was talking about when someone is unable to get their crop in, the neighbors are there to make sure it gets done. That is North Dakota, my friends! BOL

Brenda would like to express her gratitude for the many things, that have taken place during this time. She was able to finally connect with a friend, who she met through RA Guy, in one of his Facebook groups. Yes, social media is very important at this time. Many have to stay home, but you can still stay safe and most importantly, stay connected. Anyway this friend and her husband, have helped Brenda with errands, including delivering her groceries.

Getting back to how she got connected with this person. It's a pretty pawsome story. BOL RA Guy lives in South America. Brenda noticed that this person was from ND, so you know she had to somehow get in touch. She sent her a friend request and she immediately accepted.


It's not every day you see a connection like this take place. They were living in another city in ND at the time, but last year, their jobs brought them to the area, so Brenda was excited, that she would finally be meeting them. You know how life can be, as we are all busy or were more so out in the real world months ago. This person actually reached out to Brenda, to see if she needed anything.

If you ever come to North Dakota to visit, you will find that the people in general are friendly and want to help others. That is our state and we are proud to live here. BOL

So they talked on the phone, something we still do. BOL They arranged a time to meet and went shopping. When they got there, they separated to make sure they would be at least 6 feet away from each other. This was in the early days, of this current situation. Brenda cleaned the handle of her shopping cart with what was provided and used hand sanitizer. The store was marked, so that all the customers were 6 feet apart, when checking out. Brenda had a chance to thank the ones stocking the shelves, for what they were doing. Both the workers and Brenda, practically had tears in their eyes. They were so appreciative of that comment. It takes so little and can mean so much! Be kind! That is North Dakota!

Brenda has not gone shopping since that experience, but has taken advantage of purchasing her groceries online for the first time. Brenda is 60 years old, but is learning that technology is key in getting around to adjusting to this new way of life. Brenda works on the computer all day, so some of these new ways of doing things are pretty manageable.

If she does go to the store, she will wear a mask. She received one that was made by one of her human resource staff persons at work. That is North Dakota, caring for others and making sure they are safe.

The next thing Brenda wants to express gratitude for is being able to have food delivered. Restaurants are currently closed for the time being, but you can still use several food delivery services, that can be accessed using your computer or smartphone. She has been doing this for the past couple of weeks and plans to do it on a weekly basis. Brenda wants to help out those businesses, that are struggling. That is North Dakota!

Brenda is still walking to and from work, where there are restrictions. If she is anywhere near where there are patients, she must wear a mask. She usually goes directly to her work area and stays there for her entire shift. Now that she brings her lunch, she has to shop more often for food, so arranging this online, was something she is grateful for. She takes her temperature twice a day, once at the beginning and again at the end of her shift. All employees must do this, so they are being careful and can remain safe.

Brenda is most grateful for our Governor, in the fact that he wants to get our state reopened again, but in a smart fashion. He refers to that as: #NDSmartRestart. He closed down schools, as soon as our first death from COVID19 was announced. He is making sure we have enough equipment and hospital beds, if a surge were to occur. He has a lot of people who have come forward and want to be a part of this. That is North Dakota!

Creativity has not been lost during this time. In fact, those juices have become much more evident. Hearts are being placed on windows and with chalk on some of the sidewalks. Brenda noticed a neat drawing the other day on her walk home. It was "Go Home Corona" with some pretty clever artwork.  Chalk has been supplied at the capitol grounds, so that the sidewalks can be decorated with artwork. Brenda has not seen it but, I guess it's pretty spectacular. That is North Dakota, allowing others to let their creative juices shine.

Someone from our state came forward offering to make plastic shields with a laser printer. More have come forward since. That is North Dakota! See why Brenda is so proud to live in such a great state.

We also live in a beautiful state. It expands for miles with wide open spaces, so social distancing is not that difficult, out in the country.

Brenda wants to close this tale by expressing her gratitude to every one who has been helping to make our lives so much easier at this time. That is to the doctors and nurses, and anyone on the front lines, fighting COVID19, all over the county and world. This is a worldwide situation.

Thank-you, to all of the places of business who bring coffee, treats or provide meals, to show that you care. It means so much and yes, Brenda has been the recipient of this kindness. That is North Dakota!

Thank-you to every one and especially to Governor Doug Burgum, who we were inspired by, in sharing this tale. That is North Dakota! With Gratitude and Thanks! "We are ALL in this Together."

~T Man Barking Off~


                                                  Source Unknown...

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