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| Thanksgiving 1955 with Dad, my sister Kathy and me |
I love the simplicity of the day. It’s typically quiet and peaceful with nothing to do but enjoy a meal with family and friends. There are no gifts or decorations and about the only activity (aside from watching football) is to reflect on one's blessings.
Think about it. 400 years ago, our first Thanksgiving began as a religious feast for a handful of immigrants. Today nearly 300 million people, most born here but millions born elsewhere, of all faiths and no faith will sit down to dinner just to say "thank you." Rooted in the harvest festivals that are celebrated around the world, I consider this to be the iconic North American holiday (yes, Canada celebrated theirs last month).
As for me, I begin by thanking God for the gentle death of my Dad back in June. He loved life and did not fear death but he did dread a slow, painful end. As usual, the worst case scenario did not come to pass. Just like Mom back in 2008, Dad went quickly and peacefully.
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| Thanksgiving 2009 with Stef, Sarah, Dad, Judy, Les & Parker |
The miracle of Judy’s recovery this summer was another blessing. Back in August, she left Atlanta in a wheelchair and we were looking forward to a difficult three months in Europe. Alas, less than a month later, we were able to donate her wheelchair to our church in Copenhagen.
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| Judy in Ax-les-Thermes, France |
I am truly thankful that our two children, their spouses and our four grandsons continue to thrive. Has everything been perfect for them this year? Dumb question. Life is full of ups and downs, yet the bonds within their families and between all of us provide the strength to weather the storms.
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| Thanksgiving 2019 |
This most recent election was a surprise and a disappointment to me. However, I remain thankful and confident that the checks and balances within our unique system of government will insure that the future of our country will be much better than many fear.
Lastly, I am grateful for the many kindnesses shown to us this year by the dozens of people we have encountered in the seven countries that we visited. Most people are good and the world is a marvelously complicated and beautiful place!
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