that one can be grateful for both the good and the bad. Wish I could find the source because in an existential way it’s absolutely true. No luck.
Yesterday I had lots of time to think as I waited five hours for a furniture delivery to my son’s new rental. Watching the folks in this economically distressed neighborhood, I realized I am grateful. Everyone, no matter how little he or she possessed, had a smile and a hello for me as I sat in the sun up on the porch- broken furnace, cold in the house. Well, everyone except one guy who looked about as nasty as they come, yet the poor old gentleman next door kept a protective eye on me until Dr. Evil had passed by.
I’m sorry the economy is in the toilet- regardless of what government statistics tell us. I’m sorry these nice people are suffering. If I’d been cooking Thanksgiving dinner at my son’s place I’d have invited them all.
I’m grateful my son found a full-time job and a rental that accepts pets. What does it matter that the job is not in his field and for the time being he’s sleeping on the floor? Not a damn thing.
I’m grateful for three loving children.
We have our health. We have our home. We can afford our big dog and put food on our table. I’m grateful hiking is free as free can be.
The next few years will be hard on Americans. There may well be an economic cascade of catastrophic events. Unintended consequences… I’m hoping we, I mean we the people, manage to hang in there.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the average American is a whole lot smarter and way more resiliant than those with money and power think we are.
You are all in my thoughts. I wish you well. Hold tight to each other friends, we’re in for a bumpy ride.
Wishing you a grateful Thanksgiving. Julia
Julia, in the mailing you’re sending, when I hit the link, there’s nothing. Whazzup with dat?
Such a heartfelt post. Yeah, but for the Grace of God go I. And thank you for pointing out the error on my site, all fixed now, I hope. Wishing you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Every day I make an effort to consciously THINK about something to be grateful for. It’s a great mood lifter-and occasionally just the kick in the pants I need.
Today I’m especially grateful I have you for a friend and I can check in daily to see what interesting, enlightening, amusing or thoughtful pieces you’ve written.
Well said. Happy Thanksgiving, dear Julia.
Thanks, Sandra - and to you too.
I do too, Jaye, every day. Reflection is as important as breathing. Well, almost! I’m so very grateful to have met you, wonderful woman!
Thanks, Diana, and you’re welcome! I guess but for the grace of God we’re all there.
Diana - there’s some glitch. Sorry. The post is scheduled. I have no idea why email notifications keep going out. Working on it!
My ex husband and I owned a corner grocery store in a poverty stricken neighborhood. While we witnessed crime at its finest, we also were blessed to see how grateful they were for the little things. It makes you think what’s really important.
I’m happy for your son.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, J!
Beautiful post Julia. I’ve heard this economic crisis referred to as “The Great Humbling”. I think the world is watching to see what America does next. I hope this makes us a better more resilient country. The Robber Baron free-for-all needs to end.
In my experience, the less “we” have, the more we share and pull together. Perhaps that is what we’ve forgotten over time. We are stronger when we work together. Blessings on your family this day.
I agree, Anny. Always seems to me that those who have the least in terms of material wealth give the most.
Well, Kat, I think the super rich will get super richier, the poor will get poorer, and the middle class is in danger of disappearing altogether. That being said, I think we’ll survive.
Thanks, Amber - Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I sincerely hope next year is much much better for you.
Dateline December 1, 2013
I am not even getting new post up emails at all!! What’s with that? Just saw I have missed two before the movie one?????
Sorry Roberta sweetie! Will work on it!