THANKS FOR NOTHING!

I am on vacation.  Before you picture me on a tropical beach somewhere or traipsing across Europe, let me say I am simply on vacation from work.  I am not going anywhere but home to my house, a place I don't spend nearly enough time.  And of course the thanksgiving holiday is upon us.  I wish to make it clear that I am extremely thankful to have a job and to be able to take a needed break from it for a week. But...as the media encourages us all to give thanks for all we have (and I do have a great many things for which I am grateful), I started thinking about all the things I DON'T have.  I'm sure you are thinking that I am a total ingrate, but bear with me.  I spend many of my working days with people who are physically and/or mentally ill, people who are jobless or in precarious living situations.  I see people who are hungry, depressed and lonely.    So why am I thinking about all the things I don't have when I have so much?  It is because if you can shift your perspective you can see that the definition of "the haves and have nots" can change.  For example, I am fairly healthy.  I do not have cancer or Parkinson's disease or dementia. I do not have bifocals or hearing aids.  I do not have a cane or walker to help me navigate.  I do not have an abusive spouse or partner.  I do not have a gambling, drug or alcohol addiction.  I do not have to hug myself to stay warm when the wind blows.  I do not have empty cupboards.  I do not have to sleep in the woods or in a cardboard box.  And for all those things that I do not have,  I am eternally grateful.  So when you are gathered around the family table on Thursday, whoever or wherever that family may be, take time not only to give thanks for all you have, but also for all you don't have.  Happy Thanksgiving.