Power of sharing — and caring — is the basis of all our thanks
Your feedback from Tuesday’s annual, “What are you thankful for” request was excellent, friends. Here are some of the best of the almost 50 emails I received, with my comments in italics.
“Thank you for your Thanksgiving column today. Very well stated. There’s too many things to list.”
Thank you, reader. I agree. There are too many things for one day. There are too many things we take for granted. The most grateful among us are not only the most joyous, they are the ones who have embraced the pleasure of what they have rather than the frustrations of what they don’t have.
“I’m thankful for: Being able to respond via email, social media, etc., my pleasure or displeasure with the government and the free press, without fear of retaliation; my loving wife, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and great granddaughter.”
This was from a regular who frequently disagrees with my column, and you know what? I am as thankful for that dialogue as he is for being able to share it. As for family, well, on this one, he and I see eye-to-eye, no questions asked.
“I am thankful that you write on a schedule, and I know on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to go from A1 straight to A3 to avoid your pompous, Trump-loving, overrated opinions on everything, including yourself.”
Well, at least you are thankful for something, and here’s hoping the tryptophan gives you a nice long nap and your family a nice long break.
As for the other side, well …
“I am thankful for newspapers and for your columns.”
Thanks, ma’am. And please know this: The TFP in general and this writer in particular are supremely thankful for all of our readers, be them casual or daily.
“I am thankful the Lord sent me Doyal Bean to be my husband and has kept us together for 50 years.
“I am thankful the Lord sent me Joanne Kerin Christen as my friend for the last 59 years.
“I am thankful that we found Middle Cross Baptist Church and that everyone there is considered our extended family.”
Ma’am, so very well said and beyond friends and family. I will echo your last sentiments. For you, it is your church family, and that’s great and powerful.
I have, through various stages of my life, moved several times. And finding a great community — be that on Sundays in worship, on Saturdays at a ballfield, on weekdays at the office — is something for which those who belong should be grateful.
“Unfortunately, my wife and best friend of 42 years passed away just 6 weeks ago. I am very thankful for my family and friends who are helping me get thru this very difficult time in my life. Without them, I don’t know how I would make it thru the holidays.” My man, you are in my prayers. This will be a tough day. I will miss Pop today — he died in August — for many reasons. He always carved the turkey. He always brought two extra bags of ice. He was always the first one with a compliment and the one who made sure every dish was sampled, whether it was the finest of casseroles or Aunt Gertrude’s sauerkraut and pecan surprise. He also was the one who would cook an extra turkey, just in case we ran short at my house.
I am forever thankful for his example, just like I hope today you can be thankful for the 42 years of joy. Which leads me to…
“Last year I sent an email to you that said I was thankful.
“I had the ability to resign from my job and care for my mother who had a new cancer diagnosis. She passed away January 4, 2018, and I am thankful for the sacred time I spent with her during that illness and all the lessons she has taught me. I surely do miss her and her laughter.”
You are so right, ma’am. I will forever treasure the last four months that I lived with Pop. Forever.
And here is a home run for the final one.
“In your article this morning, you invited your readers to email you ‘everything’ we’re thankful for. If I did that, your email inbox wouldn’t hold it all, but here are a few of the most important things.
“1) Most importantly, the unbelievable fact that God loved me enough to come to this earth in human form, live among us, and die so that I can live an abundant life here, and with Him forever.
“2) Parents who ‘raised me right,’ providing a solid foundation for faith and for living.
“3) Friends who love me enough to hold me accountable when I need that.
“4) A great mix of work, activities and responsibilities that keep me busy (and out of trouble).
“5) Two absolutely fantastic, wonderful, adorable godchildren who are the treasures of my life.
“6) Lastly (for this list), and somewhat related to #2, the fact that I was not raised in a lifestyle of wealth. My parents were hard workers, and provided me with everything I needed … but I don’t know how sometimes they were able to do that. Finances were often very tight. From that, I learned that you don’t need as much as you want, to be frugal, and to be resourceful. I also learned by their example a strong work ethic. These qualities seem to be in diminishing supply in today’s world, and I’m very glad those lessons have stuck with me for over 6 decades now.
“Thanks for allowing me to get my thoughts focused on these things and many others I’m grateful for. I hope your Thanksgiving day, week, month, etc., will be notable for all your reasons for gratitude.”
Amen, dear reader. Now pass the cranberry sauce. Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343.