Crossposted at Laughing Wolf Today, Americans gather to eat a massive meal, watch parades, events, and competitions on television, and otherwise enjoy a day off. The original meaning is, honestly, probably lost for many because we do not fear starvation in the coming months of winter cold. Despite that, quite a few will take at least a minute to say thanks for the last year, and it is especially right that I do so today with you. This last year has been quite a year for me, one such that someone I know upon hearing "the latest" from someone a few months ago blurted out "How much more can he take?!?" Looked at strictly for the negatives, it is a valid question. My employment ended after a bit over a year of hell. Jenny has gone fully blind, had a series of strokes, and has what appears to be the onset of canine dementia (think Alzheimer's for dogs). There have been other delights on the same level. Quite a few, in fact. I could never be so lucky again. Let's step outside the box and look at this last year from a different perspective. It can be hard to do, but is so worth the effort... For all that I could say about the last year plus at Purdue, I can also honestly say I met and had the chance to work with some amazing people -- particularly out away from my area. One example is meeting and working with someone that if I ever have to stage an event or production, they will be the first person I call. Together, we did what some said was impossible, and not only did it get done it got done well. There are a couple of other examples, but that's a good one to share. It is people like them that cause me to respect Purdue as an institution, no matter what I think of anyone else. As long as they and those like them work there, it will be a good solid place at the core. Time is indeed catching up with my dear sweet Jenny. Her eyesight is pretty well gone, and there are days I am pretty sure it is gone completely. She had a series of strokes in June and July, such that I thought she would not survive the 4th. Checking on that led to the realization that she is showing signs of mental drop as well. I treasure the good moments with her more than ever. If it has slowed her down, and forced her to become an inside dog, well, she still will go patrol the yard and vigorously announce and attack any four-footed thing that comes near or in. Those she hunts have little to fear, but she does it still and I actually enjoy having her try to steal my spot on the sofa from me. Many things are lost, but the love and companionship grow stronger for the loss. The year has tested relationships of various types at various levels. I will be honest and say that in a few cases, I have been the one to let others down by not stepping up as I should have. I will be honest and say that I was very disappointed by some others. Yet, as but one example of many, I saw someone I would go so far as to describe as an active enemy become a friend, and show signs of becoming what I call a true friend. For all that was lost, and some treasured things were indeed lost, I have gained so much more. I have had some of the proverbial sleepless nights, worred (in a panic even) over finances and other delights. The next dawn may not have brought the answer, but the next several dawns have invariably done so. Hard choices were and are needed; yet, a right answer (even if not the one I wanted) has always arrived. When you realize that, how can one not have faith, and confidence in the ultimate good of all that takes place? My blood family sadly continues to shrink. Yet, I am glad for those that are left and for having known those that are gone. I am quite happy to know that others join me in remembering those gone, for as long as they are remembered in laughter and love, they really are still here. My mail this morning brought a message from a former neighbor, a friend, who on this day each year raises a toast to my parents. You see, when my parents were alive and did Thanksgiving at my house, we made him a part of it. The fact that he was ethnically different, of a different nationality, and even a very different cultural perspective was not an impediment. Indeed, it was what made it wonderful and special, for he was and is that and it added so much to the day to have him a part of it. Which brings us to a very important point, and to you. That point is family. One definition is that family is a group that has to take you in, no matter what. I think that there are better ones, and that an important concept is that family are the individuals who know you for good and ill, and will invite you in any way. There are some here that fully fit that definition. Another is that family are those we fight with unless and until someone else comes along. Again, there is some truth to that one here as well. Fact is, you come here and attack anyone without just cause, and I will have their back. Like doesn't factor in to it, brotherhood does. Come here and demand that we walk in some rigid lockstep (or insist that we do so no matter the obvious disagreements in posts and comments), well, don't let the door hit your obvious brain compartment on the way out. The first...
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Posted
Nov 24 2010, 08:24 PM
by
BLACKFIVE