Giving thanks for so much

Hello All,

This whole week has been so bittersweet. I think I have written before that Bob and I are addicted to our daily Alexa Question of the Day and Jeopardy. So when Alex Trebek’s voice introduced the start of the Jeopardy “J 6” on Monday, my tears fell. He was the ultimate game show host – a consummate professional – a genuinely nice man – and a true role model and champion. He fought hard with a disease that is so devastating. He worked until 10 days before his death, ensuring that we would have shows up until Christmas Day – a true gift for all of us. One of the former Jeopardy  contestants said “He was the star of the show, but he made you feel like the star.” Now Alex Trebek is a star in the sky, looking down on all of us! I am so thankful for the time he shone brightly among us.

I am also thankful for all branches of our military. On Monday November 10th the United States Marine Corp celebrated it’s 245th birthday! The Continental Marines were established by the Second Continental Congress were established by decree “to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies”.  Reportedly the first Marines were recruited in Philadelphia under Commandant Samuel Nicholas. When the Revolutionary ended in 1783, the Continental Marines were disestablished. Marine Corps were reestablished on July 11, 1798 by President John Adams. The Corps’ birthday used to be celebrated on July 11th. That changed in 1921, when Major Edwin North McClellan, who was “in charge of the Corps’ fledgling historical section, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune” (name sound familiar?), “suggesting that the Marine’s original birthday of 10 November be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps.” Commandant Lejeune agreed and issued the Marine Corps Order 47 that stated “it is fitting…..to mind the glories of its (the Corps) long and illustrious history.”

It is also fitting that we celebrated all of our incredible veterans on November 11th. Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was proclaimed by President Wilson in November 1919 (the end of World War I). This was amended in 1954 – after the end of World War II and the Korean War – to change the word Armistice to Veterans to honor American veterans of all wars. We owe a great debt of gratitude to all veterans, our patriots,  who have served our great country – past and present – dead or alive – who have given so much for their love of country and their willingness to serve and sacrifice for all of us!

I know the election remains the source of angst. There are court battles yet to occur. BTW – did you know that that we have already had a multiracial male vice president? Charles Curtis was the Vice President under Herbert Hoover from 1929 to 1933. Curtis’ mother was a Native American of the Kaw Nation, and she was French. His father was white. It is said that Mr. Curtis’ first words were spoken in French and Kansa (the language of the Kaw), courtesy of his mother. He was an attorney and Republican from Kansas. To this day, he is still the highest ranking Native American to serve in the federal government.

And I would say this whether the woman were Independent, Republican or Democrat – it is about time that a woman, and a woman of color, Kamala Harris is making history. A glass ceiling was shattered – and I hope it will continue to be so over many years – until the women who follow all of us have to Google what a glass ceiling even was!

Many women – of all races and religions – came before to help set the stage for this to occur. There is a fabulous book (a very quick read of 58 pages) that just came out called “This is Your Time” written by Ruby Bridges, the first black child to go to an all white school in New Orleans in 1960. She shares that she had no idea that she and Barbara Henry, her teacher, were making history. Ms. Henry came from Boston to teach Ruby, who was her only student since the other families would not allow their children to attend the same class. It is a fascinating glimpse of what was then and what is today – and, in some ways, a love story to our youth. She states that “it is love and grace for one another that will heal this world.”

Service – love – grace – and gratitude. These ARE the foundation for healing. And more reasons for us to give thanks!

Phyl

P.S. And the thankfulness continues! November 7th – tulips – flowers that just make me smile! November 8th – marshmallows (and, of course, my beloved PEEPS!). November 9th – museums (oh, the wonders and joys of walking through museums!). November 10th – books, books, books (you can travel and never get out of your pajamas!). November 11th – our service men and women. November 12th – a great fireplace and cup of hot chocolate. November 13th – people who volunteer their time, talents and treasures.  

P.S.S. Happy Friday the 13th! And remember – Friday the 13th is still better than Monday whatever the date!