Thanksgiving 2017

I apologize for not posting during the last four weeks, but my ongoing back issues have prevented me from spending much time sitting at the computer to compose something of interest in the blogosphere.   Mind you, I always strive to be witty and clever.  Something of interest…well, sometimes that can be a challenge.

Then there is the inspiration factor: in the last four weeks I have not had any inspiration to write anything noteworthy.  This is not for lack of material floating around in the social media.

Dear God!  The current administration in Washington is generating so much material ripe for satire and general overall WTF derision that it would certainly keep such immortal satirists as Will Rogers busy for a hundred years.  On the other hand, if Will Rogers were alive today he could just as easily vomit if he had the chance to watch the shenanigans in Washington too closely.

So, I will default to the general mood of today’s holiday where all Americans will (or should) give their thanks for the blessings in their lives.  It’s not all turkey feast and (in our house at least) lasagna.  Football doesn’t enter our lives at all on this day.  If we watch anything, it may be the annual Mystery Science Theater 3000 Turkey Day Marathon streaming on a variety of channels and YouTube. 

So, onto my all too short list of things I am thankful for:

I am thankful for the memories I have of a loving mother and father who always prepared a feast for us on Thanksgiving pasts.  I miss those days terribly, but the memories keep my emotions warm and comfortable inside.

I am thankful that I was able to afford a good health plan this year which enabled me to seek the medical attention I needed to get me through what has been the worst year (health-wise) for me in over a decade.  The plan helped me through my cardiac problems in May, my prostate surgery in August, and more recently, my back ailment.  True, it’s not the best plan I ever had, but I am grateful I had one this year

I am thankful for my co-workers at Health Advocate who have been very supportive to help me with my recent back problems.   This issue has necessitated my hobbling around on a cane as I get around the office to perform my duties.   To them they may be performing simple courtesies of holding doors open for me or offering to get something from our office café.  To me it has been a godsend.  I hope I won’t have to rely on their generosity much longer.  I also hope I get the chance to repay their favors when I am feeling better.

I am thankful that we still live in a great country, popular thinking notwithstanding.  (Memo to the loathsome orange creature occupying the Oval Office at this time: America never stopped being great!)  We still have many of our freedoms intact, but we are watching events very closely to make sure they stay that way.  Fortunately, the Founding Fathers had the foresight to install a number of safeguards to prevent our great country from descending into anarchy.  Things look bad now, but the resistance has just begun!

And finally, I am grateful that Warrior Queen is in my life.  The last few months have been a challenge for both of us.  I really don’t know where I would be without her.  

So, as the scent of the baking turkey fills our house I will close with a simple wish for happiness and prosperity to all who read these words today.

Happy Thanksgiving and “Much obliged, lord!” *

*The Egg and I” (1947)

(Thank you for reading…with gratitude.)