The Essence of Thanksgiving

This year -- despite a rocky start -- I am experiencing the essence of Thanksgiving.

It started last week as I ate lunch with a number of men quite successful in their professional life, and now divorced, and listened to them lament that this was not "their year" to spend the holiday with their child-and they hated it -- me too.

Then this weekend my 90-year-old stepfather passed away, and we all sadly gathered (the 6 children -- 3 from each parent, grandkids, and now a great grandchild, and my Mom -- all of us were devoted to Poppa)

And the holidays always remind me of my precious daughter Cassie who left this world when she was just 13.

It would be easy to think of this holiday with sadness and regrets, but I find myself re-learning the lessons of abundance and not scarcity.

For most of us, we are surrounded by an abundance of comfort, people available to love us, and opportunities which we too often recognize only when they're gone.

I am blessed with a wonderful son.

Lucky to be part of a huge family including two more sisters from my father's second marriage -- and despite all odds we have remarkably blended and bonded into a unique, united, and loving family.

I have a job that is an opportunity of a lifetime, nearly 2 million members of my union family who are inspirational, and a country ready and ripe for change.

So when I or you start to complain this holiday about our child or parents, the food or the travel problems or the state of the world -- contemplate the alternative.

It seems trite but I find myself telling everyone with whom I am close to this holiday one thing I appreciate about them.

It feels great.

Comments

[MrCoffeeCup]

Hey Andy, way to Go!

Thanksfulness is like Optimism!
>>>Is the glass half empty or half full?

[MrCoffeeCup]

Thanks Andy! Good for you! You are a good person who tries to appreciate what they have!

Age old question: "Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?" Thanksfullness is just like that!
I've lost parents, children, buds in war and peace, friends at work and school. Death is part of the "LIFE" PARADIGM! Ever heard of the word "Change". It is the only constant in Time and Space. Be thankful for change.

I am thankful I live in America. I am thankful for my Christian Faith, I am thankful for the internet, I am thankful for my beautiful wife and children/g­randchildr­en. I am happy I still owe money, I am thankful I still have an income, I am thankful America is being stressed by crazies because we needed to wake up, I am thankful for being able to read and write this message. I am thankful that God's Son Jesus Chirst died for sins and rose from the dead. I am thankful for Liberal Democrats because they keep my heart pumping and my disbelief growing!!!

[FigaroJones]

Such a nice column. I am pretty well along in years and my only family is one small dog that I love. But I am blessed with wonderful old friends, 15 of whom I feasted with, at a small but graceful country house, this Thanksgiving day.
But the greatest blessing of so many is the report I got from my doctor in yesterday's mail. It read:
"The results of your test indicate no evidence for recurrence of your cancer."

[Usiku]

I am grateful for the things I have like my health and opportunities but am more grateful for the ability to share these and other resources with others.

[deminmo]

This holiday season is sad, having lost my 47
year old brother (and only sibling) last December.
This Christmas I have only one member of my immediate
family to celebrate with, my Mom. We have been
there for each other through very hard times.

So, today I thank the Lord for one very big
blessing in my life. And many smaller ones.

[yooper2]

Keep up your good work. I was a union member for most of my life and wish you continued success with you leadership role. Go health care for everyone and other just and fair compensations!!

[GMFORD]

I always enjoy reading your posts. You have such a wonderful outlook on life.

[SunSinger]

And I appreciate your column today. I am grateful for kind words wherever I hear them or read them about the essence of today's celebrations.

Malcolm Campbell

[janmB]

The holidays are not happy ones for everyone and is sometimes only a reminder of what is missing.

If the circumstances call for it, its wise to downplay the importance of the holiday in respect to the rest of the year.