Thursday, November 27, 2008

The Thanksgiving thing: what I'm grateful for....

I am grateful for many things. I come across to many people—most regrettably, my own family—as a cold-hearted bastard. This is not true. That’s a subjective point of view, but I’m reliably informed that I’m not a sociopath, so I’ll take others at their word. I suppose other people’s perceptions are the first thing to be thankful for. I’m maybe not as crazy as I think I am.

It’s a cliché: “You still have your health.” I am crippled with “idiopathic neuropathy” and in a wheelchair. I am attacked by malignant pancreatic cysts. It ain’t always easy, but I appreciate God’s greatest gift…life. I feel that I am spared for a reason, and though God doesn’t give me a clue, it may be to bear witness to the evil that men do. Health is again a subjective issue; I have borne witness to the darkest side of mankind. I have participated in that dark side. I am still sharing the greatest gift of life, and that is a matter of overwhelming gratitude. The older I get, the more interesting things become, and I thank God for allowing me to witness the changes.

The SiteMeter [see bottom of this blog—you can’t read it, but it’s there—] tells me who and from where people read this blog. I am grateful for the 12,000+ page views and the 8,700+ visitors from all over the world. That’s small beer compared to others, but I am thankful for Constant Readers who think my words might mean something. A number of those Constant Readers are people I have communicated with personally; you know who you are. We may never have met face-to-face, but I am grateful that you are out there and care to cast a cyber-glance this way.

I am grateful for classic and contemporary movies that choke me up and bring a tear to the eye. These range from Charlton Heston epics to Steven Segal toning-it-down action flicks. Having worked in movies and TV, I realize that art is a reflection of our lives and more cosmic meanings. Stereotypes are based in fact, and heroic yearnings—the essence of the human spirit—are portrayed at 24 frames per second with good actors who say what we only thought about saying. I am constantly grateful for this pool of analogy which I can draw upon.

Personally, I am grateful for events that have turned out positively in this past year. Younger daughter survived an auto wreck; I am reconciled with my ex-wife, the love of my life. (No details on either online, but take my word for it: it’s all good.)

Lastly, I am grateful that the most important Thanksgiving decision is whether or not to bake my green bean and tomato casserole for the holiday. Mary made Yankee stuffing last night; we’re giving it to family, hence the inclusion of my casserole. I am a world-class cook, and thank you God for providing a talent that allows me to unwind at times.

There is bad stuff happening in India today: I pray for those in harm’s way, and hope for a successful outcome. I don’t like his politics—Obama was not my choice—but I thank God for a successful transition of power in America. We’ll burn other bridges as they appear on the horizon. I reserve the right to rake our new president over the coals, but I’ll give him his chance.

I have to spend Thanksgiving Day with in-laws. I am pre-pledged to stay sober, smile, and avoid confrontations. I will do so, because I promised.

In that sense, I suppose the final thing I am thankful for is a moral compass that does not skew because of threats of reprisal, retribution, or momentary temptations. Thank you God that I lived long enough to see this.

5 Comments:

Blogger Barb said...

Man, I love happy endings and even more i love happy beginnings. So my very best wishes to you and all your family ,may God Bless all of you.
How about sharing the recipe for the Green Bean -Tomato casserole?

November 27, 2008 9:53 PM  
Blogger Beerme said...

I hope you and yourn had a great Thanksgiving!

November 28, 2008 8:56 AM  
Blogger Hawkeye® said...

God Bless you Possum. I give thanks for you and ALL my ScrappleFriends (along with the other things I am grateful for).

Wishing you all the very best for the coming year, and that you will have lots to be thankful for at this time next year.

(:D) Best regards...

November 28, 2008 7:47 PM  
Blogger mig said...

Merry Advent season, I missed the Thanksgiving post.

Congratulation on your recent 're-hitch', it's a good thing.

Peace my brother.

December 02, 2008 9:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm grateful for you too, ol' buddy...

December 03, 2008 4:01 AM  

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