Giving Thanks This Day

In this country, we set aside a day to give thanks for all we have. It's fittingly after the harvest time, since it arose from our agricultural roots and the appreciation for the abundance experienced by he first pilgrims who arrived on its shores. Those people were fleeing very harsh conditions back across the pond. They were not here for political reasons, though they had aspirations to be able to worship as they chose, which had not been easy in their previous lives. They were thankful for the native inhabitants who welcomed them and there was no intention of subduing or taking over.

They sought a chance to BE and be free to live and pursue their simple lives.

It was a cold different coast and those native inhabitants shared their abundance with these new arrivals. It was a cause for Thanksgiving and eventually that spirit would form the spirit of the celebration we now celebrate this day.

Of course - every day is a day for giving thanks. Just for LIFE! We sometimes take it for granted, along with the essentials which prolong it.

Even more, it sometimes seems, we get used to the extras that are nice to have but not essential for maintaining our lives, such as food, water, air and protection from the elements and predators. We have so much more! Good water, fresh right out of the tap at our will! Gourmet food and all the "extras"! Warm fireplaces in secure, comfortable homes, wearing comfortable nice-looking clothes on bodies bursting with health and good means of maintaining it or getting help if we have health issues. Not to mention wonderful family and friends, loyalties and mutual respect and appreciation. There is so much for which to give thanks, this and every day we are alive to enjoy it all. Even challenges are to be thanked. They give us wisdom and opportunity to both improve and to appreciate!

I was scheduled to go with my stepson, George, Jr. to near Austin for the holiday with his two daughters and grandson and his daughter’s Mom and grandmother, and other family and friends. I’ve had the privilege of sharing holidays with these lovely people for the past two years and it’s always a treat.

But, alas, George’s slight discomfort has progressed into a severe case of sciatica, very painful and even down into his leg and knee. He says he’s walking around stooped over like an elderly man! There are no comfortable positions so he made a wise choice to forgo driving the 200 or so mile distance, trying to be cheerful, dealing with stairs and another bed, etc. -plus the return drive. I encouraged him to forego it this time! So he came up with an alternate plan.

He’s taking us out to Mignon, a lovely restaurant which serves a magnificent Thanksgiving buffet! Reservation at 3:00 o’clock. He took us there another time a few years ago. It is a real treat. Plus, I will get to meet the lady he has been dating. Her plans with her own family fell through, as well, so we’ll be happy orphans enjoying the day together.

I wish the best to others of my family scattered in other states, Colorado, Indiana and Florida, and friends everywhere!

I especially hope YOUR day is joyous and that you have much to be thankful for and that you have the sense of feeling it, - whether or not the day is set aside for that purpose! Every day is Thanksgiving - or should be.

So - N-Joy!

Hugs,

Nellieanna