Next week is the Thanksgiving celebration in the U.S. My Canadian friends have already counted their blessings in October. I've always thought it was a great idea to set aside a day to do just that: count our blessings.

   

In the U.S., Thanksgiving has evolved to a day of football and stuffing (no, not the turkey, us!). It is also the kick off to the holiday shopping season. I spent many Black Fridays working remotes at 6AM when local malls opened their doors offering special gifts for early shoppers. Now, the opening time has crept forward, some stores now disturbing our time with family and friends by opening on

Thanksgiving night. I refuse to participate in this evolution. I want to keep the day of Thanksgiving for what it was meant to be: a day to celebrate relationships and blessings with those close to me.  

 

This time of year in Oklahoma is punctuated by leaves of all colors: golden, red, orange, yellow. Driving the streets of Tulsa is like stepping into a painting of New England when  it is most colorful. This year the colors seem especially lively.

 

So, what's on my list of blessings this year? My husband and I will be spending Thanksgiving at my cousin's  home. My contribution will be two folding tables and the world's best pumpkin pie. (No, the pie isn't from my kitchen thus reducing the likelihood of anyone contracting ptomaine.) I figure the two tables are safe, especially when covered with a cloth.  

 

My list continues with health. Thank you, God, for health. Without that, what do we have?  I am always amazed at the body's ability to heal.

 

I am thankful for my family and friends: for my husband: for my home. For this great country we live in. I always wish my foreign friends and clients could spend a few days in America's heartland. What they see depicted on their TV's is not what they would experience were they here. Believe it or not, most Americans actually like each other, no matter ethnicity or religion. Other than Native Americans, we all came from somewhere.  

 

I am so very thankful for my clients. They add meaning to my life. They give me a reason to get up in the morning.

 

I am grateful that I can be a part of this wonderful industry. We truly inform the world. We are there to disseminate information during times of crises. We provide entertainment and companionship.  

 

I am thankful for you, my readers. I appreciate your comments. Thanks for being part of my circle.

 

So as we prepare our feasts, I wish for you a very blessed turkey day. Enjoy! 

Pat