I’ll keep this as short as I can, but it won’t be easy – I’m thankful for a great many things.
First and foremost – family. I have a great, close-knit family. I can say for certain that this has been the case for at least five generations, and the value of this can not be overstated. With family, you have a support system that can make your life better in every way. These are people who love you, people you love, people you celebrate with, people you commiserate with, people who lift you up when you’re suffering and people whom you can life up when they are suffering.
I’m thankful for great friends, too – for the same reasons listed above.
I’m thankful to have been to get to know many of the people in our town’s homeless community. In nearly every case, they would not be homeless if they had a tight-knit family and a circle of friends.
Of course I am thankful for music – it’s my spiritual bread and butter. It radiates out in so many directions and it gives back what you put into it many, many times over.
I’m thankful to live in the United States. I’m thankful to be an American. I’m thankful for the freedoms I have, and that includes the freedom to be as involved in the political landscape in the ways that suit me.
I’m thankful for my health, but I am aware that this gift is not handed out fairly. Like anyone in their 60’s, I have seen too many people die too soon. And it’s almost ALWAYS to soon, so I am thankful for every day I get to enjoy this life. I raise a glass and a turkey leg to all of you, too – may your table, and heart, be full.
I leave you with a Robert Hunter lyric: “Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty. If your cup is full, may it be again.”
