Thanksgiving is a great time to take a moment, stop, think about all that we have to be grateful for and give thanks.
For me, the list is long and varied.
I am grateful for relatively good health. That's a biggie.
I am grateful to have a loving husband, mother and extended family who accept me, as my grandmother used to say, "warts and all."
I am grateful for a circle of friends who make room for me in their busy schedules whenever I need them.
I am grateful to live in the Keweenaw, where natural beauty meets an industrial landscape both interesting and historic.
I am grateful to have a job that provides opportunities to meet interesting and inspiring people every day, and learn something new every day.
I am grateful to work with a terrific bunch of dedicated and talented people who can bear heavy responsibility while having fun.
I am thankful to have a roof over my head, food on my table, heat and hot water.
I am thankful for my three demanding cats, who are an endless source of entertainment and solace.
I am thankful to the many wonderful teachers in my life who had the patience and persistence to pass on their gifts to me. I don't know what happened to those who were supposed to teach me algebra, how to parallel park or fold a fitted sheet, but I am thankful I do not have to do the first two that often and my husband overlooks the last one.
This week, I ran across a quote by H.U. Westermayer who, in a few simple words, reminded me how lucky I am.
"The Pilgrims
made seven times more graves than huts.
No Americans
have been more impoverished than these
who, nevertheless,
set aside a day of thanksgiving."
Remember in the hustle and bustle of the holiday to take a moment and give thanks.
JANE NORDBERG
Managing Editor