Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I can only think of one word when I try to put my finger on why--warmth.

First there is the physical warmth. Let's face it, it's starting to get cold out. When I woke up this morning it was 8 degrees. On Thanksgiving day most of us can stay inside. It is hoped that any traveling is complete. There is no need to dash to the cold car and rush to be anywhere on time. It is a day to sit inside with family and friends while the oven and the company add an extra dose of toasty comfort.

Then there is the emotional warmth. When I think of past Thanksgivings--this year will be my 57th--I have only good memories. It has always been of family and friends just relaxing together. You can turn off worry and stress because you have people you love right there with you. After all, that is all that counts.

I have just described is an idyllic Thanksgiving. As I write I realize how fortunate I am that most of mine fit the ideal. I do not have to tell you that there are many many people who never have had, and likely never will have, a chance to feel this kind of warmth--either physical or emotional. And, let's face it, there are many in the world who don't have much of anything to be thankful for.

They may need to walk miles just to find water or a doctor. They and their families may be suffering from disease--most of it preventable. Their families may have been torn asunder by war or political turmoil. They may have no hope of a better future because of all these factors and more.

How wonderful it is that an organization like Rotary is working so hard to make the world better so someday others may share our good fortune.

Perhaps the true reason for the Thanksgiving holiday is to give us the time to think. Time to sift through our daily cares and appreciate that which is truly important and makes life worth living. Time to do this introspective exercise which I myself just completed.

Thanksgiving is not just one day. It is something we should do every day or for that matter every hour.



P.S. Let us also remember our armed forces and police, firefighters, and medical teams, who may sacrifice being with their families on Thanksgiving to protect our safety.

Seeing Ain't Believing