Last March, near the start of the pandemic, we saw an outpouring of support for frontline workers. Here on the Happily Going Postal blog, we shared thoughts about thanking those helpers, and all the others who came before them, who may or may not have been thanked at the time.

This year’s Snail Mail Bingo asked us to write about our pandemic silver linings, so here’s one of mine: I’m thankful that we’ve collectively grown more thankful.

We see and appreciate the vulnerability of healthcare workers who make and keep us well.

We see and appreciate the sacrifice of teachers who stretch budgets, imaginations, and possibility.

We see and appreciate the juggling act that every human has been performing - many of them long before this crisis started. Increasingly, we’re drawing back the curtains on those acts and realizing that it’s way more fun and fulfilling to just share our real, raw humanity.

Consider this:

• Where and how were you this time last year?

• What changed? Who was part of that change?

Your list of changemakers probably acknowledges help in large and small ways. Please thank them. Send a postcard, give an air high five (National High Five Day is on April 16th, btw), choreograph a dance…use whatever gifts you have to offer to demonstrate your appreciation.

And on that note: I appreciate you, dear readers and postcard writers. Thank you, thank you, for making this such a fun job.