Blessings on this Thanksgiving

Nov. 24, 2004

We have just survived an ugly presidential campaign, U.S. troops are dying increasingly in Iraq, the economy is sluggish, and it seems to rain almost every day. So why even get out of bed in the morning, you may be asking?
Of course, there is also much we each have to be thankful for during this holiday season. Thanksgiving Day is my favorite holiday - it encourages us to see the good everywhere. The following is a list of things to be grateful for that you may have overlooked.
Our pets. If I feel like going for a walk in the middle of the night, my dogs are at the door. After snowshoeing all morning in three feet of snow, Star and Blue are ready to go again in the afternoon. On our hikes in the woods, I feel like a stray cow as the object of Blue’s dutiful surveillance. And yet, Star’s playfulness forces Blue and I to take things less seriously. In a world of many loyal dogs, mine lead the pack.
The Internet. I’m particularly thankful for Google. Its search-engine is okay, but the Google news page has no peer. Dozens of continually breaking stories from hundreds of news sources around world are listed and updated every few minutes. This site is a must for all news junkies.
Joe Dumars. The Pistons’ general manager put together a championship basketball team that reflects how he played the game. Unlike the selfish, overpaid superstar-studded teams that were heavily favored over Detroit last year, the Pistons conquered the NBA with a collection of relatively unknown players. His squad worked harder than their opponents and played as a team. Also, in case we had forgotten, Joe Dumars proved that good-guys can be successful in professional sports.
Popsicles. These colorful little sticks of frozen juice or pop are nature’s perfect food. They are as sweet as any desert (even the sugar-free option) and contain no fat. I find it hard to eat just one (box). It is only due to the magic of popsicles that I don’t weigh 400 pounds.
The Founding Fathers. Our ancestors in the powdered wigs sure knew what they were doing when they created the United States of America. As religious devotion seems to be increasing worldwide, it is comforting to know that this government cannot prohibit or influence the practice of any denomination - by law. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams left enough checks and balances in our government to ensure the eventual dismissal of anything that threatens our constitutional rights.
Bubble baths. What can be more soothing than soaking in a tub filled with hot water and soapy ringlets? Besides, that way I don’t have to scrub so hard or focus on my repulsive body. Aromatherapy scented bubble baths are a plus.
Paul Theroux. This best-selling author has saved me thousands of dollars in travel expenses by reading his books of journeys to third-world countries far from the paths of tourists. This year I have adventured throughout Africa and South America vicariously with Theroux via trains, cattle-cars, buses, and dugout canoes - from the comfort of my couch.
Our jobs. Those of us fortunate enough to have employment that hasn’t been outsourced or eliminated should all be grateful. In my case, I have the additional pleasure of working at Northern Express, Northern Michigan’s largest newsweekly. Where else can you have fun, work with your best friends, and get paid for it? After more than 13 years, I still can’t wait to arrive at work each morning.
Most of all, we can be thankful for our loved ones. This year I am especially thankful for you, Suzi. My life changed for the better - forever - when three years ago we bumped into each other on Thanksgiving Day.