Thursday, November 26, 2009
Metro columnist Dan Casey: Simple reasons are enough to give thanks
Dan Casey is The Roanoke Times' metro columnist.
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Dan Casey
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What are you thankful for?
When I put that question to The Roanoke Times' readers, their responses were interesting, enlightening and endearing.
Often they were thankful for ordinary and mundane-sounding reasons.
That tells you this: They understand the importance of appreciating life's daily small miracles. And of the pitfalls of taking anything for granted.
Enough with my meanderings. This column is about you and your thanks.
So here we go -- and Happy Thanksgiving.
Pat Painter Simmons of Fincastle, who will soon be 81, has no doubt been reading for many years. Still, "I am thankful for those who taught me," she writes.
But there is more: She's thankful for "always being able to see the good in people and situations -- I am thankful for my daddy who was role model for me." And, "realizing that a woman can be an accomplished and successful part of the family, the community, society and the classroom -- I am thankful for my mama who inspired me."
Yvonne Olson of Hardy sounds like she's had some rough patches recently. About those she's both philosophical and poetic.
"I despair over the burdens of everyday living, which have been onerous this year. But I am thankful that medical problems haven't been worse than they are.
"I have too much 'stuff.' But I am thankful that I have a home to store it.
"I desperately miss my mother. But I am thankful that I was able to provide care to the end.
"I miss the glorious colors of fall. But I am thankful for the new view through the trees.
"I am glum about the ragged edges of my sofa. But I am thankful for the warm, furry, purring body that curls up in my lap.
"Problems, yes. But so much to be thankful for."
Allison Rowland of Roanoke is thankful for "an amazing family. My parents and brother have been by my side through a difficult divorce and have supported me in every way possible. My children are a constant source of love and inspiration for me as a single mom. I am truly blessed!"
Gayle Tolley of Natural Bridge sent in a list that included family, friends, church and eternal life. But she's also thankful for "eyesight, hearing, taste, smell, touch." Now that's not taking anything for granted!
Jaime Brugh of Moneta understands appreciation: "I am thankful for being able to live this wonderful life that I have, for the love my husband gives me, the smiles on my children's faces and my family and friends that put the smile on my face."
Margurita Oedel of Troutville says that she could fill this column with all that she is thankful for.
But above all else, she writes, "I'm thankful, that my husband who has Lou Gerhig's [disease] will hopefully still be here this Thanksgiving, and for all the prayers being said for him."
Kate Campbell of Roanoke loves all thing that have to do with St. Andrew's Catholic Church and Roanoke Catholic School in Northwest Roanoke, where she teaches.
"I am grateful that my husband Blair and I were married in St. Andrew's and that he would be responsible for maintaining the beautiful grounds of the school and the church with its still plentiful wildlife, though not elk and deer but groundhogs and birds. I am grateful for the many friends with whom we worship."
Doug Jessie of Roanoke was one of a handful of men who responded.
"I'm thankful for my lovely wife, Anne, and the almost week-long hospitality Thanksgiving brings," Jessie wrote.
"I'm thankful we have the ability to host four out of our five children, our parents, future son in-law, his parents and siblings and some more of their family for a glorious meal. Maybe I can get some help raking leaves?"
I bet he'd be most thankful for the latter, kids.
Sandi Saunders of Hardy narrowed down many blessings to two.
"I am thankful for my children and memory. Until my children came along, I truly had no concrete concept of God, faith or love. ... The joy, compassion, empathy, respect and conscience that are all raised by having children is a blessing indeed.
"As long as I have the precious gift of memory, no one ever truly leaves me. I have my humble, quiet granny and papa whenever I need them. I have the daddy I worshiped (and lost when I was 23) to warm my heart and stiffen my spine."
Roanoker Cary Skelton's thoughts are far afield.
"Today, and every day, I am thankful for our brave soldiers in our United States military. The sacrifices they make each and every day -- for our great nation's safety and for a safer world -- are what give us all of those things we're thankful for. ... God bless them all."
Debi Van Cleve of Penhook wrote in to praise Roanoke Times columnist Liza Field, who always delivers unusually thought-provoking essays.
"When I e-mailed complimenting her on a column she did about suffering, and found myself venting to her, a stranger, about my mother who has leukemia, she spent a lot of time writing me back and helped me find peace. Who knew that such comfort and kindness came with my subscription?"
Katherine C. Harris of Fincastle says she's thankful for Attic Productions, the Botetourt County community theater company.
"Dan Naff, Cathy Henderson and Freda Wood have hung in there with others and they give us great performances during the year," Harris said in a handwritten letter.
Ex-Virginian Ron May, who now lives in Plymouth, Ind., says he is thankful first for his wife and second for his three sons and third for his extended family.
"Fourth, I am thankful for meaningful work. I am nearing the end of my professional career and my current position is the best fit for who I am and what I value."
Lori McGhee Geist of Roanoke says she's thankful "for a husband who loves me, flaws and all, and shows me that love every day. I am thankful for our happy and healthy 16-month-old son, who has taught me the meaning of the word patience, as well as giving me more joy than I ever thought possible."
And Tim Witten of Roanoke writes, "First, I am most thankful to be loved by the most gracious, patient and awesome God. I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends, from whom I learn from and laugh with. I am thankful to live in the greatest country on the planet."
Kathryn Woiblett of Martinsville is a three-years (and counting) cancer survivor who says she was given a new chance at life.
"This has given me a new perspective on what blessings really are," she writes. Among those are a loving husband, good parents and a wonderful church family.
"I have many more blessings, too numerous to name," she adds. "Every day has its blessings.
"Even in the hard times there is always something for which to be thankful."
What fine and important lesson -- and a great and true note for Thanksgiving.
