This year has been a unique and troublesome year with the COVID-19 pandemic spreading throughout our area, country and the world. This pandemic has changed so much of our daily lives and now will change how many families celebrate during the holidays. The Draper family in Ackerman is not taking any chances with the COVID-19 virus especially for their beloved family members. “In the past few years we’ve shared our Thanksgiving dinner with our immediate family, Johnny’s mom, his sisters and their families and my brother-in-law’s family,” said Patty Draper. “This year it would have extended even further with a nephew’s extended family. This would have included 22+ folks in one dining/living room at Johnny’s mother’s house. This group would involve people from three states. At least half work in jobs with daily public contact and three in medical related fields,” she added. “That old virus” as Bryce, 7 years old, and Dylan, 4 years old, (two of Patty’s grandsons), call it has changed a lot - Thanksgiving included. Johnny and I thought and discussed a lot before deciding this Thanksgiving would just be us, our children and their families,” said Patty about her family’s decision to keep Thanksgiving a small celebration. Patty and Johnny want to make sure his mother, Louise Draper, who is 92 years old, is not exposed. She has been isolated from everyone but family members since March. “None of us, including Johnny’s sister, Christie, have decided how Mawmaw will be included this year. After keeping her away from most people, we hate to risk exposure for one meal. We’re even looking at the weather in hopes of having an outside dessert time if nothing else. She’s already been promised at least two plates of good food,”said Patty. Another new challenge this Thanksgiving for Patty and many other families will be cooking the entire Thanksgiving meal at her house. “Although I’ve always contributed my special dishes, this will be the first year the entire meal is in my kitchen. I’ve already warned Shannon her ovens will be called in for backup,” said Patty. Patty is worried about the continous spread of the coronavirus and warns others of not wearing masks and the effects of our decisions. “I’m a proponent of masks, social distancing and small groups. I wish Ackerman and our entire state had a mask order, but we don’t. As cases skyrocket in our county (11 more today in Choctaw County) and state, I don’t see things getting better anytime soon. I know older people that have COVID with mild symptoms and no lingering effects and seemingly healthy young adults that have suffered greatly. I’ve had friends that died. I saw a Facebook post today that says a better zoom Thanksgiving than an ICU Christmas. And then all these hard decisions will face us again in a few weeks for Christmas,” said Patty. Whoever you celebrate Thanksgiving with, small or big groups, enjoy your time together.
