By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
Last week, we enjoyed another Thanksgiving holiday. It is a holiday that began many years ago. The first Thanksgiving according to the records was celebrated in November 1621.
This celebration lasted three days and was attended by 90 Native American Wampanoag people and 53 survivors of the Mayflower ship. People on the ship were called pilgrims. Assorted fish, wildfowl and corn were eaten during this time.
Now, we fast forward to this most recent Thanksgiving. Some things have changed yet the tradition remains the same. Some might say it had food, fun and fellowship.
Everyone had their fill of turkey and assorted dishes. If you lived in New Orleans Louisiana, you had gumbo, too.
The time spent with family and friends was priceless. As I grow older and nearing overtime, I value this time even more. Telling stories and playing games ruled the day.
If you are a grandparent like I am, you become an instant playmate. Sitting still for young grandchildren is not an option. Constant movement reigns supreme. If you are a grandparent, you know what I mean.
Many would say that Thanksgiving is the official start to the holiday season. We know about the Black Friday sales and Cyber Monday sales. I would opine that since October, there have been many sales offering various discounts and deals. If you are a customer at a department store, you receive emails from them almost on an hourly basis about a sale. Like you, I get them so much that I just disregard them.
During Thanksgiving, we cook more, we eat more, and I believe we treat each other better. Let me suggest that we try to treat each other better throughout the year and not just during the holiday season. Having patience and goodwill have proven to be good characteristics to have no matter the time of year.
We are blessed to live in this country where we can truly be our brother’s and sister’s keeper. As we look around the world, this is not always possible in other countries.
The war in Ukraine rages on as Russia attempts to break the will of this country. Since February 2022, thousands of people have been killed and injured. The level of mayhem and destruction happening there is beyond words. Records show this Russian invasion was the largest attack on a European country since World War II.
The people of Ukraine have national holidays yet because of the turmoil cannot celebrate them with any joy and happiness. The stress and strife of the war have placed the lives of the people there at risk every day.
The same can be said for those involved in the war in Israel. There, hundreds have been kidnapped and thousands have been killed. Families have been dissolved because of what is happening in that region of the world. The family structure has been tormented and torn apart forever. Seats at the dinner table will be empty and desks at schools will go unoccupied.
However, there is a bit of a breakthrough as talks have occurred recently that have resulted in some hostages being freed. We will have to wait and see if this continues to be the case.
In both Ukraine and Israel, killing and suffering have taken its toll. We can only imagine what rebuilding these areas will be like and how long it will take.
Let us pray for those who are in dangerous and dire circumstances now. Pictures that we see on television show hopelessness and fear. What will the future hold for them?
Thankfully, we live in an America where we are free. Sometimes, we take freedom for granted. We the people have certain rights and privileges that have provided us with a template for successful living. As this Thanksgiving holiday has passed, let’s reflect upon our blessings and be thankful for them.
