Day 3 - 284 -- Being thankful

Well -- today is Thanksgiving day. It was spent doing me things with friends. A long phone chat filled the afternoon -- a time for catching up on recent news and happenings. As a kid, we always celebrated Thanksgiving on the Sunday of the long weekend rather than Monday. I still do. Today, though, I went to visit friends and share in the leftovers from the feast. There is nothing like fresh baked rolls with turkey -- little bunwiches. That was always a favourite part of the traditional turkey dinner -- preparing a small turkey sandwich at bedtime or as a snack the next day. The actual dinner is wonderful, but those leftovers turned into soup or 'a la king' are very special.

As I was leaving tonight, I was asked what I was thankful for and I couldn't spit out an easy answer. There are so many things that fall into this grouping. The weather has been wild today, but not nearly as bad as that faced by many others south and east of here. That is a good thing. What really came to mind that I just couldn't articulate earlier this evening was all the people I'm thankful for being a part of my life -- family, friends, teachers, mentors, service workers, health care professionals, furry companions -- current, past and passed -- all have played a role in my life. Without just one of them, things could have been very different. Some played a larger role, whether short or long in duration, Even a passing interaction could have put me on a different path. Knowing people who care everywhere I've lived has been a major gift. Having family members -- blood and of the heart -- provides a foundation and some continuity throughout life. So -- while some people we encounter may seem to be problematic, maybe they, too, have provided direction in this life. Interesting concept to ponder. I guess then the short answer to the question posed tonight, is 'all the people in my life.'

The selection for today came to mind while trying to work through the response to the question. The arrangement chosen emphasizes the multiple supports provided to a person. It is a beautiful song and this version is spectacular. Enjoy!

God Only Knows -- BBC Music ft. Brian Wilson