Thanksgiving is still my favorite holiday. While it’s difficult for some to conjure up reasons for gratitude in these times, I’m an optimist. Here is my list for this year:
- I’m thankful to live in this country. I believe our democracy has the resilience to withstand the current chaos. It’s survived a full-scale Civil War, in which over one million people died (number courtesy of Wikipedia).
- I’m thankful to live in a beautiful part of the world. When I can see Mount Rainier in the morning from Seattle, I know it will be a good day.
- I’m thankful for my family, and that my mother’s able to see her great-grandchildren grow.
- I’m thankful for 29 years with Julian. He’s a great cook and a wonderful traveling companion. His “seedy wry” sense of humor (pun from a mutual friend) never fails to crack me up.
- I’m thankful for my friends and coworkers, past and present, who immigrated to this country for education and opportunity. Not only have they enriched my life immeasurably, they’ve made great food for department potlucks – and given me recipes.
- I’m thankful for my far-flung friends who are only an email away.
- I’m thankful for my nearby friends and neighbors. We’ve gotten each other through 16 years of living and losses.
- I’m thankful for my congregation, which has given me the moral grounding to withstand the aforementioned 16 years of living and losses.
- I’m thankful to be healthy, bum knees notwithstanding. My maternal grandmother didn’t live to be my age.
- I’m thankful for meaningful work that helps save lives, and the caregivers of our patients. Everyone: Family, custodians, cooks, nurses, dietitians, technicians of all types, and physicians.
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
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