TalkFrank's Thanksgiving Message

Words and Photo by F LoBuono

These are the times that try men's souls.
                                               Thomas Paine, "The American Crisis" -  December 23, 1776

Wow. A strange way to begin a Thanksgiving message? Perhaps. But, certainly, considering the current state of affairs in America, not inappropriate.

Those words, written almost exactly 240 years ago, still ring true today. A most contentious and brutal campaign season has left us with the most controversial leader of my lifetime as President, Donald Trump. The fact that he won the election despite losing the popular vote by nearly 2 million people to Hillary Clinton has created a palpable rift among the populous. In fact, it would not be hyperbole to say that most Clinton supporters are simply devastated. And, those people fear the direction that Mr. Trump appears to be pointing us in. In other words, they feel they have little to be truly thankful for.

But, that's not what Thanksgiving is all about - at least not to me.

On this day, the world can take care of itself - and, it will if we just take a moment to count our own blessings. No matter how small they may seem to be, when we acknowledge the good in our lives, we assist in its healing. And, the good things ARE there: family, friends, food, health, home, safety, serenity, peace, light, love, and life. I have these things and I wish you all the same.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!