Being thankful

Colleagues,

I tried to write a simple and cheery upbeat message about Thanksgiving, but I just couldn’t. Today’s message is about hope and thanks, but it is also an acknowledgment that we have things to mourn. If you want to be moved and think deeply, keep reading. If you would rather stay lighthearted, stop reading because that isn’t where this goes.

I cannot celebrate this day without also acknowledging and mourning the implications of the mythical First Thanksgiving on indigenous communities. I have some very dear friends whose ancestors were treated brutally and who continue to face discrimination today.
 
Additionally, we will all have people missing from our tables this year. We have all lost family members.
 
And yet, the act of coming together to break bread and of setting aside time for counting our blessings is something to celebrate.
 
I wish for you a special day. A day on which we remember and celebrate those who have passed. A day on which we acknowledge that not all the stories that are told hold the same meaning for us all. A day on which we celebrate what we have, and be mindful that many have less. A day that we do see and appreciate abundance and possibility.
 
A measure solemnity is the gravy on gratitude – the two are not mutually exclusive.
 
I am thankful for all of you, especially for the connection that we have and that we can continue to nurture.
 
Today’s intention: Give thanks for what you have and celebrate, but also be mindful that not everyone will join in the celebration. Draw strength from this.
 
Cheers!

Frederick