being Thankful

[lagilman]

This Thanksgiving is an interesting one for me. On the one hand, there's
loss. Loss of friends in the past year, to death and time and personal
differences. Loss of innocence, as I find myself helpless to stop what
I see as the wrongheaded path our country is taking. And loss, yes, of
full-time employment-by-another, which no matter how devoutly wished and
planned for is still a shock to the system.

But the things I give thanks for are many.

My health, which I never take for granted.
My beloved ones, likewise.
My freedom, which I'm only now rediscovering.
The energy and enthusiasm I find myself filled with, every day.
The friends who have not only offered support and advice, but gone out of
their way to be useful in my new direction.

And if I can't help the world, I can help my small area of it, and hope
that others elsewhere are doing the same. I am thankful that last month
we were able to write out checks for our local food bank, for those who
are in need. If you can, do the same.

I am thankful that I'm in good health, so I was able to make an appointment
to go down and give blood, in this needful season. if you can, do the same.

And be gentle and thankful for what you have been given, and what you have
given yourself, for on Friday, the Silly Season begins, and all bets are
off. Duck and cover, incoming crass commercialism! *grin*