NOT THANKFUL? TRY HARDER

Not thankful is not a season and not a holiday.

With no one to be thankful for, be thankful for yourself.

How does that work?

Please continue:

During my time living on the east coast I was all alone, but not lonely.

I’m sure there were lonely people in Philadelphia and New York, just not me.

With millions of people in each city, it didn’t feel lonely.

Not married, no kids, I met people just like me: no family within a thousand miles. (Hey Susan)

In New York we got together and rode the subway on Thanksgiving like it was a carnival attraction.

The subway was an everyday thing, but on holidays the crowd was thin.

It was like we knew it wouldn’t last, this shared space in time, then it would be all about wives, husbands, kids, and all the rest.

But that’s not you, and you’re feeling bad.

 

Try Not To Dwell

I had an office job in Manhattan and rode the subway in from Brooklyn.

All my work pals were local.

A few of them invited me to their family celebrations and it was nice of them. But I declined.

I wanted the real feeling of Thanksgiving to sink in.

Single Man Thanksgiving? Not anymore.

I was thankful for having a family that fell apart and came back together with everyone married up and solid.

I still am.

 

The picture of generations gathering for a special day is beautiful.

If the wife and I aren’t going to one of our kids’ in-laws, they’re coming here.

Today I’m thankful for Sam and Moon.

Last year I was thankful for Bill and Susan.

Next year we’re hosting with beans and hotdogs.

As much as I like beans and hotdogs, I’m not the final word.

Not thankful might be what my guests would feel with that menu, but I’m married so that won’t ever happen. (Hey honey)

Besides, a hotdog dish is more of a birthday deal around here.

Call it tribute dish to times past: hotdogs split with cheese and covered in mashed potatoes with a cheesy top.

I’m looking forward to it since my birthday comes between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

Not Thankful Is Different Than No Thanks?

I’ve been around enough thankless people who look at holidays as a hobby to bitch and complain.

Why not bag that attitude this year and show someone you are thankful for them?

It’s awkward when you get all thankful to people who don’t expect it, but do it anyway.

Through your actions, show them a little sunshine even on your dark day.

The cashier at the gas station? Look ’em right in the face and say thank you when they ring up your nine pack of screw top Coors Light.

The neighbor who comes out when you rake up the leaves from your tree in front of their house?

Big smile, sweet salutation, and keep going. Ask me how that worked out tomorrow. (Hey Jim, hey Marie)

 

What am I not thankful for?

The sourpuss who can’t get over their own bullshit for one day.

This isn’t about mental health issues as much as it’s about shit-stirring amateurs.

Put the spoon down, rookie.

If you’ve got nothing to be thankful for, you not looking hard enough.

I get that, but it won’t always be that way.

People will crowd into your life and you will wonder how you ever got along without them.

That’s the upside, and the only side we’re talking about today. Tomorrow is open for debate.

I’ve got list of thankfuls that start with my wife, my kids, my daughters in-law, my grandkids.

For a seventy year old man, it’s not an usual list, right?

Each of them know I’m thankful for them because I tell them. It’s not a secret.

And it’s not a shallow reflection.

These people are my inspiration, my hope, and my contribution to a better world.

You always hear about ‘doing the right thing?’

They are the right thing, the best thing I’ve ever done in my years.

Without getting too soppy and maudlin, they are the best people I’ve ever met.

They know it because I tell them.

Why not take a chance and tell someone you’re thankful for them.

What could go wrong with that?

Today, nothing. So go ahead.

If that’s not enough, and you’re an Oregon Duck football fan, be thankful on Saturday.