The Laughing Wolf

Food For Thought: Thanksgiving Edition

Thanksgiving is upon us, and it is indeed time to stop, think, take stock, and be thankful for all that we do have. No matter what is going on in our lives, we do have much for which to be thankful, as I have been reminded the last few days.

This may seem strange to some, but it is true none-the-less. No, this year past has not been at all what I planned. My job at NASA went away when I was not made an offer to continue. I passed on one job and took another that went away before I ever started. I resumed full-time freelancing, but that is a choice with lots of ups and downs. The year, therefore, has not been as financially rewarding as years past. I have known people who have died, and I know people who are dying. Instead of being with family as planned, I am by myself because I appear to have picked up a bug somewhere along the way. My shoulder and knee are still keeping me from doing all that I would like to do, and that is extremely frustrating, not to mention painful. I have made the decision not to fly solo or as pilot-in-command because of the hypoglycemia, and have walked away from that part of my life. I am also by myself this day because I have not yet found my other half.

Yet, despite the litany of all that is not perfect, I have much for which to be thankful. Each of us does, no matter how bad things seem to us or to others. Let’s sit down, take stock, and give thanks.

First, I do have a fairly good roof over my head. Where I live is not the greatest palace in the world, but it is snug, clean if a bit disorganized, and most adequate for my current needs. I have heat when it is cold, I have air for when it is hot, and I can open a window when I want to enjoy that which lies outside. While much is in storage, I do have comfortable furniture and all the things the possessions I really need. Entertainment is here in television, radio, books, and movies. Food is here, and while it may not always be exactly what I crave, it is what I need in that it is good, nourishing, and filling. That is much more than many in the world can say. For all of this, I give thanks.

Second, I may not have made as much money this year as I did last year, but that is a temporary thing. I have the opportunity to make as much as I want, if I will avail myself of all the opportunities that come my way and will work. For I am guaranteed the right of the pursuit of happiness, not that everything will be handed to me on a silver platter. Equality of outcome is not anywhere in the promise, only the chance to work hard to achieve that of which I dream. There are many steps I have taken to go for my dreams, and for what I did earn, what I have gotten, and – most of all – for what I am working to make happen, I am thankful.

Third, I give thanks for those that are gone. Some I knew well, some I truly knew not at all, but each of them touched my life. In touching my life, they altered it. For some, it was a ray of light, a touch of joy, a pure delight in all they did. In others, that which happened may not have been pleasurable, but it was for the good. Each of these people has caused me to stop, to think, to consider my own life and my own actions, and to take actions to better my life. For each of these has made a difference in my life, and in the lives of others, and I am grateful for it. I also want to give thanks for those who died whom I did not know personally, who died defending me and mine. Some died alone in the dark, some died in that shadow world that will never be recognized officially, and some died on the field of battle. For all of them, I give thanks, and I ask the light to shine on them and their families this day, and in the days ahead. To all who are gone, I bid you peace.

Fourth, I give thanks for those I know who are dying. I wish that you were not, that the fates would be kinder to you. Yet, you are the fortunate ones for you know what is coming and have the time to set right that which is wrong or needs fixing; you have the time to touch the lives of others for the better; you have the opportunity to set an example for others; you can help others by your suffering, by testing new treatments and breaking new ground; you have the opportunity to grow on a personal and spiritual level; and, you can say your goodbyes. Others do not get this chance, so use it well. I see your courage, and it is not diminished by tears and fears. Indeed, it is enhanced because I know how you feel and see you still set the standard high. A couple of you have not simply cheated death, you’ve beat the pants of her for many years now. We all know the house always wins, but it has been something else to watch the fight. No, things have not always been pretty, but for the truly good things I have seen and for the pleasure of your company for a few days, weeks, or even years longer, I give thanks.

Fifth, I must admit being thankful for my health not being perfect. It never truly has been, but the aches and pains remind me that I am alive and that I am not some superbeing. It has forced me to slow down, and in so doing I better appreciate what others go through on a daily basis; I see things in a new light; and, I have the opportunity to smell the roses and do other things that would otherwise have been missed. It also makes me thankful that my health is not much worse, for no matter how bad things seem, they could always be worse. In that way, I see the many blessings of good health that I do have, and I appreciate them all the more.

Sixth, I am still alone. My other half is not yet with me, but I am thankful. I am thankful that I did not marry foolishly, and make my life a hell. I am thankful that in once case I did walk away, for I have wonderful friends for it, that would not have been otherwise. I am thankful for the hope I have, for the fact hope and determination have forced me out of my shell so that I am meeting some unique and wonderful people. It may well be that my other half is among them; and, for now, my life and my soul are being enriched by the opportunity and that I am growing in good ways as a person. Yes, a major part of my life is still empty, but around that void is growing the foundation that will make for a better life, that will hold solidly that which is to come.

Seventh, I am thankful for this opportunity. For many years, the ability to write columns and do things like this was simply not available. For this technology, for this opportunity to share, to hone my skills, to touch others in a positive way, I am thankful.

Eighth, I am thankful for many of the people that this has brought into my life. Some of the people who may be my other half are coming to me through this new medium. Others, such as my blogfather Joseph Katzman, have come through it. Joe has been extremely kind to me, and I am thankful for his help, his patience, and his sense of humor. Still others have come through this: Misha, Ith, Kathy, Momma Bear, Rand, and others, and each of you has enriched my life. Thank you all for it. I also am thankful for those of you who read this site, and who check in even though I am not currently writing on a regular basis. I am pleased that my words mean such to you; I am ashamed I do not do more; and, most of all, I am thankful for you and the opportunity.

Ninth, I am thankful for my friends. There are many acquaintances in my life, a number of friends, and those special true friends. To all of you, I say thanks. You put up with me; you encourage me; you are there for me; you challenge me to be more and do more; and, most of all, you do this despite knowing my faults and shortcomings. You put up with a lot from me, and I hope you do know how much I appreciate it. Who in their right mind can’t be thankful for all the wonderful acquaintances, friends, and true friends in their lives?

Tenth, I am thankful for my family. Sometimes, it is because you are a pain and a challenge to deal with. Sometimes it is because you are rocks upon which I stand. Sometimes, it is because you prove the movie slogan “Weird is Relative.” Be it as foundation, goad, challenge, or inspiration, I am thankful for you all.

Eleventh, I am thankful that I have found a career that is a calling, and is a thing I both love to do and am good at doing. Over the years, I have met people who hated their work or loathed that which they were gifted at doing. Seeing them makes me so glad that I have a gift I love and appreciate; a gift that can be honed and improved; and, a career that overall is a pleasure to pursue.

Twelfth, I am thankful for the freedoms I have. In my life, I have been lucky enough to travel to many parts of the world, and I know for a fact that most Americans are spoiled brats who have no idea how lucky they have it. I am thankful for that too, for what does it say about us, about our country, that we have it so well and are so insulated that we are not even aware of it? I can challenge our leaders, I can argue for causes, and I can fight to maintain and restore individual rights, freedoms, and liberties. I can do all this and need not fear the knock on the door at night, or arrest during the day. I am free to do this, free to defend, and others are free to defend as well. I give thanks right now for these rights and the responsibilities that come with them. I give thanks for those who answer duty’s call and who fight and die so that I and others can live free. Most of all, I give thanks for those who defend and live, for they are the true proof of all that we have.

It really is a wonderful life. Give thanks for it. Take some time today and list all for which you have to be thankful. We have so many blessings in our lives. Savor them. Appreciate them. Delight in them. Revel in them. Today, I give thanks for the infinity of riches in my life. Go thou, and do likewise.

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