Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I have come to realize that Thanksgiving is nothing more than another day, the last Thursday in November, to be exact. Through the 400 plus years of American history, the date has floated, at times never recognized and even the official Federal designation has varied.

Combine that with the inconsistent history of the origins of Thanksgiving and one is simply left with an arbitrarily selected day in the month of November. It could just as well be the third Tuesday in October or the 1st Wednesday in December. It does need, however, to be celebrated in late fall as it is accurately tied to the seasonal harvest time.

My point is this; don’t worry about the “day.” If you cannot be with family and friends on the last Thursday of the month, then pick another day. It isn’t the calendar that counts!

The holiday is all about generous hearts and grateful souls. None of us live at #1 Paradise Place at least not permanently. Along with life’s good fortunes inevitably arrive those times of struggle. It is during these times that a spirit of thanksgiving, regardless of the day, is vital to the human heart.

Tuesday, Nov. 24th, about 1pm could have easily been mistaken for Thanksgiving Day. Hundreds of pies had been baked or bought and were then being delivered to a vacant shop on Main St. for distribution later in the afternoon.

Saturday, Nov. 21, was yet another Thanksgiving Day as turkeys and side dishes were distributed from the Food Closet at a local church.

Thanksgiving is happening all around us on a variety of days and in no particular place.

From a pragmatic point of view, the purchasing effort that provided the massive quantities of food was an incredible stimulus to the local economy. But that was an unintentional bonus; more importantly, it was a resolute statement by the community that “I am my brother’s keeper.”

Hurray, for my town, for its citizens, its children, its quiet- behind- the-scenes leaders.

The efforts were not driven by commercial or governmental entities, rather by individuals, neighbors, friends and families, not seeking good PR or an ounce of recognition.

It is simply an exemplary lesson in the concept that our lives are inextricably intertwined. The idea is well illustrated in the writings of John Donne, 1572-1631.
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

Some years are certainly better than others, but if one is quiet and receptive, one can always find something to be thankful for.

Until next week, be very well.