Opinion

Before you gobble, gobble, give thanks

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Unlike other holidays, there is no pretentiousness. One just arrives at the host home dressed in an everyday wardrobe and not encumbered with loads of presents. Now that is not to say that as a guest you can't bring a tasty food dish or a bottle of wine for the host or perhaps don your favorite gaudy holiday sweater but it is a day to enjoy great company, wonderful food and exciting football.

But before we dive into that plump turkey or carve a slice of a turducken, how about taking a few moments and recount all the events we are thankful for? I suspect the pilgrims did so when they arrived after a long voyage and landed at Plymouth Rock.

In any event, here are some things I am most thankful for:

* For the ability to celebrate holidays and birthdays and special events with family and friends. Having been out of town for high school and some college, I can tell you first hand that being absent from Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations leaves a sad melancholy feeling in your heart. As such, whatever we as Americans can do for our men and women in the service during this season would certainly be appreciated by our brave troops. In 1954 crooner Perry Como sang, "There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays," and here in 2011, it is still true.

* For my AARP card which gives me discounts at hotels and restaurants.

* For the Social Security COLA increase of 3.6 percent set for January 2012. And a thanks to all of you who are still working and supporting me with your FICA payments.

* For the television program "Saturday Night Live" for poking fun at the Kardashians, anyone running for President of the United States and any other politician who promotes party goals over the nation's citizens.

* For all episodes of "Seinfeld" which parallels real life experiences. My favorites: "The Puffy Shirt" and "The Jimmy."

* For the Cracker Barrel restaurant and their great breakfasts and all the knickknacks in their store.

* For the ability to reverse live television programs so that I have my own personal instant replay function.

* For my TomTom GPS and OnStar System, both of which have rerouted me when we were lost.

* For our three children, two son-in-laws and daughter-in-law and 11 grandchildren who bring us joy and excitement every day.

* For my wife Mary of 47 years who has supported me and encouraged me and loved me through every moment and every adventure to make sure I never went astray. She is my personal GPS.

So as you gather with family and friends this holiday season, take a couple moments and be thankful for all your blessings. And if you are a guest at someone's home, chew with your mouth closed, don't talk with food in your mouth. Other than that, Happy Thanksgiving!