|
Ron Jackson's Perspective
The Sunday Journal -
Think
Kankakee, Illinois
November 20, 2005
Plenty to be
thankful for this holiday |
 |
|
Next Thursday is Reflection Day. Of course the fourth Thursday in
November is more commonly called Thanksgiving Day in America.
However, before, during, and after the traditional praying, eating, and
watching football, many of us do a little reflecting. Like
exercise, a little reflecting never hurt anyone.
This is my reflection. Thanksgiving 2005 is different for me.
Maybe it's an age thing, but I find myself wanting less but
appreciating more. Looking at the big picture, as a nation, we have
much to be thankful for. We still have our unique freedoms and
rights, we still have greater opportunities than most citizens of
other countries, and for the most part, we are still a relatively safe
country. We might also be the most hated country, too, but that is
another story.
As a bedroom community, Kankakee County has a lot to appreciate
as well. If we only take a few moments to recall the devastation of
the Gulf Coast states, our reasons to give thanks are obvious.
Imagine a year ago when maybe you were celebrating this holiday
in the same home you are this year. Now consider those hundreds of
thousands of victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita who won't be
spending a day of thanks in their own homes, own cities, or own states this year or maybe ever again.
Imagine being one of those victims still in need of help, only
to be told by a social agency that Katrina is over. Picture
yourself on Thursday in dire straits with the prospect of life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness a distant memory and
life as you once knew it never to return. You are hundreds of miles
and several states and cultures away from your home with no hope of
going back. The memories of decades of warm, wonderful holidays
haunt you. Although the fad known as Katrina Victim Support is
through, it's Thanksgiving time. You are on your own now. Just put
your misery behind you. Celebrate. Be thankful.
I am thankful I don't have that Thanksgiving task.
Back in the good old days, we would often be reminded to give
thanks for what food we had because "kids are
starving in Africa"
or some other place we knew nothing about.
Now it's time to be thankful for the roof over our heads
because people in New Orleans don't have one. They don't have their
local playgrounds or familiar stomping grounds, either.
Thanksgiving Day is typically a day of food, family, friends,
noisy children, and even noisier adults. I will do my best to find
a few quiet moments to give thanks. Family and friends will top the
list.
Contrary to this community's negative perception, I'm
thankful to be a part of it. We haven't been bombed by
international terrorists or destroyed by Mother Nature. In spite of
our little unique nuances, this county is pretty special.
Organizations like Bishop McNamara High School, The Kohl Center, and
The Salvation Army that go way beyond the call of expectation to
make sure every person who desires a Thanksgiving meal has one all give me
reason to be thankful.
It all boils down to being thankful for being thankful. Then
there is the dreaded day after Thanksgiving Day – kick-off of the
Christmas shopping season.
I am so thankful I won't
be participating in that. |
|
|
Thanks for stopping by! |
|
|
Home
| About | What's New |
Books | Columns |
Archives |
Seminars | Search |
Contact |
| |
|
|
|
