Thanksgiving is the holiday for everyone—regardless of race or religion, socio-economic status, gender or sexual preference, marital status, ability or disability. With a popular culture that has pushed Halloween displays to August and Christmas music to early November, Thanksgiving is the one holiday that focuses on family and friends, gathering together, and taking time to acknowledge our blessings and gifts—rather than on commercialism and money.
There are many things for which to be thankful.
I am thankful this holiday that I have a job. I know that many people are struggling and the economy has put a lot of our neighbors on rocky ground. I value my job at Penn State. I am thankful for continuing opportunities to develop my skills and strengths, great co-workers and incredible students and administrations in my department and in the College of Health and Human Development who encourage all of us to be our best. The benefits and tuition discount aren’t too shabby either.
I’m thankful for my home and having four walls to protect my family. I know that in today’s economy, many people are losing or are at risk for being put out of their homes. My house isn’t fancy, but it is home. When my kids are all here and we are all sitting around the dinner table, laughing and sharing stories about school or work or friends, there is not a better place in the world.
I’m thankful for the sacrifices of those who serve in the military and the families and friends who may be without them for the holidays. I have been forever impacted by my interactions with the people who serve those who serve in the Armed Forces. It takes a special person to put the needs of others before their own and I appreciate the commitment of our soldiers. Thanks to all those who have served.
I am thankful for my faith. Regardless of which religion it is, I think we are better people by looking to something greater as a guiding force in our lives. Attending services, building community with the people who we see there every week and leaning on and holding each other up for support as we navigate life’s challenges is important. I remember back in my 20s saying things like “I don’t need a church to be spiritual.” Perhaps, but being part of a faith community makes a huge difference. My family found a faith community that fits us and for that I am thankful.
I’m thankful for friends. The older I get, the more careful I am about attaching the label of “friend” to an acquaintance. True friendship means that we celebrate the successes and offer support to the people in our lives with whom we are connected beyond the superficial stuff. True friendship isn’t based on our job descriptions or how much we have. I am lucky that I have friends of all ages who enjoy my company, feel comfortable in my presence and like me for who I am—and vice versa. I hope by reading this my friends know how much they mean to me. I hope I’ve told you.
I’m thankful for the health and happiness of my children. I know that there are families who struggle with illness, parenting difficulties and the hurdles of raising children in a society that sends so many conflicting messages to our kids. My kids aren’t perfect but they consistently make good choices, are good people, and best of all, are friends with each other. They may fight like cats and dogs in our house, but when they step outside, they become a unit. On several important occasions, the Kleban kids have jumped to the defense of a sibling when it mattered. On my list of “Top Ten Best Life Moments” is the night on the cruise when we could hear our three kids in the adjoining cabin, laughing their heads off about something that one of them did or said. Music to my ears.
I’m very thankful for my husband. A prom date that turns into a 24-year (and counting) marriage is a rarity in this day and age. He’s still the person I want to share the every days and the tomorrows. He makes me laugh every single day. Some of my best columns have come from discussions at home about a local issue or topic in the news. He’s a great sounding board and my best friend. He has definitely passed the loyalty test of this middle child.
The giving part of Thanksgiving is about sharing with others those things for which we are thankful. I also think about giving as the giving “back” of our talents, our time and our treasure. While Thanksgiving affords us the time to reflect and consider the many blessings in our life, it also reminds us of the need to help others all year long. The gift of ourselves and our time to someone less fortunate is often repaid tenfold. I’m thankful that I took the time to give last year. I feel better for it.
Thanks to my neighbors who are working today – hospital staff, convenience store clerks, the grocery store employees who have saved me on more than one holiday recipe disaster, police and fire personnel, the radio and TV personnel and anyone else who has to spend the day on the job. I wish that our retail industry had given more people time off to spend the holidays with their families. Black Friday is soon enough to start the madness without it bubbling over into the holiday.
Family, friends, health and happiness. That’s my wish to all the readers of StateCollege.com. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy holiday season.
