{"id":37061,"date":"2021-02-03T02:24:25","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T07:24:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.desales.edu\/dsu-daily\/?p=37061"},"modified":"2021-02-02T16:36:02","modified_gmt":"2021-02-02T21:36:02","slug":"grateful-for-unexpected-consequences-annmarie-houck-ms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.desales.edu\/dsu-daily\/2021\/02\/03\/grateful-for-unexpected-consequences-annmarie-houck-ms\/","title":{"rendered":"Grateful for Unexpected Consequences\u2014Annmarie Houck, MS"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Annmarie

One of the core values of DeSales University is gratitude, where we are encouraged to give thanks for the many amazing gifts, including the family, community, faith, and love that God has provided for us. Over these past months, it was often difficult to feel appreciative as many challenges and disappointments arose. That is not to say that I was not grateful. I have been and continue to be most thankful for things like my family\u2019s continued health and the amazing work of essential employees, but as I reflect back, I realize how truly grateful I am for some unexpected consequences that came about as a result of this pandemic.<\/p>\n

When COVID-19 hit last spring, it certainly altered \u201clife\u201d for my family. My husband, John, was furloughed for the first time ever, and my sons, Ryan and Max, who were seniors, missed out on the much-anticipated end-of-year activities. Ryan was abruptly forced home from Syracuse University following spring break and never did get back onto campus except for one short visit in summer to clear out his room. Max, a high school senior, was also switched to remote learning. My heart broke for my boys as this is not how I wanted their senior years to end, and I felt cheated on missing in-person graduation for both of them, as well as a long-anticipated family celebratory vacation. I felt sad and selfish for being so disappointed, as many families were dealing with much more significant challenges. I will always yearn for those missed events, but I now realize that something truly wonderful came about unexpectedly because of these changes.<\/p>\n

Ryan\u2019s college and internship opportunities away from home, as well as Max\u2019s school and athletic commitments, certainly decreased our family time together over these past few years. A few days together here and there was all we could manage. As proud as I was (and am) of their dedication and involvement, I have to say that I missed our nightly meals together as a family. Well, the pandemic brought these busy schedules to a halt, and I found our family of four enjoying the daily ritual of food and conversation once again. We have spent more time together enjoying (most of the time) each other\u2019s company over these past months than we have in years. I never anticipated that we would have this extended time to be together, and I could not be more thankful. That time has now ended, as Ryan just recently moved out to begin his job with EY in NYC, but I will be forever grateful for this unexpected consequence.<\/p>\n

Our extended family time together was not the only unanticipated consequence. Ryan was able to pass the CPA, as he used his delay in start-date for his new job as time to prepare for the exam. We also surprisingly added a puppy to our family this past summer. The new addition certainly added some joy to these trying months. I have learned to appreciate change and the unexpected positive that might come as a result.<\/p>\n

Annmarie Houck is the chair of the department of mathematics and computer science.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

One of the core values of DeSales University is gratitude, where we are encouraged to give thanks for the many amazing gifts, including the family, community, faith, and love that God has provided for us. Over these past months, it was often difficult to feel appreciative as many challenges and disappointments arose. That is not to say that I was<\/p>\n

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