What we’re thankful for this yearBy: National Association of Tax Professionals
November 25, 2020

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year, to say the least, so we wanted to take time to reflect as a staff on what we’re thankful for this year. Here are a few of our staff members’ responses:

Kate: I’m thankful for our amazing friends and family helping out with my broken leg/ankle. The Hampton Inn near the hospital kept my husband in cookies and cokes while we couldn’t get in our house. Our neighbors built a wheelchair ramp so we could get in the house, people brought over food, and my parents helped us pay for immediate needs. Strangers from our small town loaned us crutches at 10pm on a Saturday night when the stores were closed.

Allyson: I am so thankful to have finally adopted my first fur child, Sophie. She is my constant shadow and loves to cuddle. She has kept me busy during the pandemic with daily walks and teaching her new tricks. If I try to relax before her walk, she will let me know that is unacceptable with a woof followed by a paw.

Sophie Sweater

Stephanie: I am thankful for the abundance of produce harvested from our garden! Still had red/ripe tomatoes as of November 2020 here in the UP. 😊 Why? Because food sovereignty is our goal.

Melissa: I am thankful for the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the people in my life who mean the most to me. In a pre-COVID world I moved at warp speed. I have learned to slow down and by doing so, I have been able to spend good meaningful time with my family and close friends.

Sam: I’m thankful for all the people who took the time to check in. Dealing with anxiety and depression is tough enough, but add a pandemic on top of that, it’s enough to send someone into a dark place. Knowing I have people who care about me in my life enough to simply check in and genuinely ask how I’m doing – and mean it – has made a world of a difference.

Tricia: I’m thankful that my daughter and son in law were able to be married on 1/25/20 and go on a family trip to Disney in February before the fear of the pandemic set in. Everything was perfect and magical and then all of a sudden their little family was forced to bond and connect on a level that may not have happened in a ‘normal’ time. They are closer than ever and I’m thankful everyone has remained healthy.

I’m thankful that my parents live within one mile and are both healthy and safe.

Tricia

Manuela: My husband and children all have survived COVID-19, and I was spared, which, alone is a miracle. My husband was very ill for five weeks and we had to take a trip to the ER, which was an overwhelming feeling because I couldn’t be with him and I was really worried that I could lose him. On a personal level I can honestly say this is what I am most grateful for. But there are not only personal reasons I feel grateful for this year. I am so thankful to work for NATP during a time like this because of the continuous support we receive. This pandemic has definitely thrown a curveball at our direction but as always everyone comes to together and we are able to provide the information and education our members and non-members need while staying safe.

Patti: Sometimes it is the small things. I am thankful…

  • Not to need to pack up my lunch salad every day. It’s nice to use a real bowl and silverware from home.
  • Not to need to commute to the NATP headquarters daily; didn’t think it was a big deal until stopped during the pandemic.
  • Being “pushed” to use Teams more to interact with all of work team has allowed me to better know my remote colleagues with everyone being on a level playing field.

Alissa: I guess I would sum it up with, I am thankful that 2020 challenged me to rethink and reaffirm my priorities.

Amanda: I’m thankful to work at a company like NATP, that has not only allowed me to keep working during this pandemic but has also been super accommodating with working from home. I’m also very thankful for video platforms like Zoom, Teams and FaceTime, to keep in touch not only with my friends and family, but coworkers too!

Megan: As Charles Schulz once said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” So, this holiday season, I am thankful for having a place to snuggle with my warm puppies with a hot cup of coffee.  

Megan

Janine:

  • I am thankful for my job and I sincerely appreciate every single member that we are honored to serve.
  • I am thankful for my co-workers who are embracing the changes in this new remote work environment and doing their part to stay healthy and support our communities.
  • I am thankful for the snow, I am thankful for the snow, I am thankful for the snow…
  • I am thankful that I am alive and my immediate family and friends are healthy and safe.
  • I am thankful for the opportunity to slow down and live every minute of every day.
  • I am thankful to see how challenging times can bring out the best in people.
  • I am extremely thankful for the essential workers who serve our communities.
  • I am thankful for the OFF button on the tv.

Jen: I am thankful for the extra “stolen moments” with my family, particularly my teenagers, while the world seemed to stand still as we all quarantined. Memories were created and bonds were strengthened more than I ever thought possible.

NATP
Read more
penAbout National Association of Tax Professionals

The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is the largest association dedicated to equipping tax professionals with the resources, connections and education they need to provide the highest level of service to their clients. NATP is comprised of over 23,000 leading tax professionals who believe in a superior standard of ethics and exemplify professional excellence. Members rely on NATP to deliver professional connections, content expertise and advocacy that provides them with the support they need to best serve their clients. The organization welcomes all tax professionals in their quest to continually meet the needs of the public, no matter where they are in their careers.

The NATP headquarters is located in Appleton, WI. To learn more, visit www.natptax.com.

Information included in this article is accurate as of the publish date. This post is not reflective of tax law changes or IRS guidance that may have occurred after the date of publishing. All taxpayer circumstances are different, and NATP recommends contacting research services if you have specific questions about your clients’ tax situations.

Additional Articles

Categories