5 Things We Are Grateful For This Year

By: Rusty Keeley

This year has brought challenges and hardships we never saw coming and to everyone who has been affected by COVID-19 and all those who have lost their lives or livelihood, our hearts and support are with you and your families. This holiday season, however, we are focusing on the good that this year has brought. Here are five things that we are thankful for this year!

1. Technology Innovations, Virtual Meeting Software, and 5G

Virtual meeting software programs such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom have been around for a while, this year they spiked in popularity due to stay at home orders. These programs connected us both personally and professionally, allowing us to feel some sense of normalcy during a time that has been full of uncertainty. We are much more tech savvy than we were a year ago and it is amazing to watch people of all ages connect via the Internet. Whether it was a virtual team meeting, jobsite visit, or happy hour with friends and family across the country, we are thankful that we were able to stay connected from afar.

5G is on its way and it is going to change the way we use technology in every aspect of our lives. With quicker speeds and increased bandwidth, we will be able to enjoy stronger connections than ever before. Sending and downloading documents for a presentation or pictures from family and friends can now happen in the blink of an eye. We are very proud to be building our nation’s 5G infrastructure that will help keep us connected beyond the pandemic.

We are so thankful for these technology innovations that have allowed us to pivot and continue our work while staying connected with our people across the country.

2. Our St. Louis Community

St. Louis is an amazing community and it has been inspiring to watch all of us come together to support our local businesses and those in need. This was evident through the giving spirit of so many people and companies who partnered with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to provide meals and essential supplies to those that were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We were proud to partner with other local businesses to rally behind this wonderful organization and support our community every Saturday from May – August, and again this holiday season. We are so incredibly grateful to have been given this opportunity to serve over 60,000 families and provide over $2 million in donations and gifts. We have truly witnessed firsthand that "Together We Make a Difference” and are proud to call St. Louis home.

3. All Essential Workers

The essential workers that have continued to put in countless hours of dedication and commitment throughout 2020 are true heroes. Nurses, doctors, first responders, grocery store workers, craftspeople, and so many others are the reason we are here today. There are not enough words to thank them for everything they have done and continue to do for everyone in their communities and we are forever grateful for them.

We take PRIDE in all of our team members, craftspeople, and partners and their SACRIFICE is the reason we are here today.

4. New Perspectives

If this year has taught us anything, it is that we need to be kind, empathetic, and see things from a new perspective. So many of us are always on-the-go, never taking the time to enjoy the little things that life has to offer. This pandemic gave us the opportunity to slow down and enjoy things again, even if it wasn’t necessarily planned. Whether that be a family dinner with no distractions or trying a new game with your kids, we have been forced to realize the important things in life. Even though it hasn’t been easy for everyone, we are grateful for these new perspectives.

5. The Light at the End of the Tunnel

There may be no “end date” for this pandemic, but we do know that one day, life will get back to normal. We will be able to gather again for a birthday, anniversary, Keeley Bash, and even a game at St. Louis’ new MLS stadium. If we continue to stand together and support each other, we will get through this and come out better on the other side.

We truly never thought that we would be thankful for 2020, but as we sit back and reflect, we realize that there has been so much good throughout the bad. We hope that you have a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season!