Thanksgiving is a major holiday here in the U.S.; it is a time for family, food (LOTS of it!), fun, and reflection. It is a time to appreciate all the bountiful blessings that our Lord has given to us, and it is a time to think back on all the good things (or even the not so good things) that have happened during the year.
As for myself, I am thankful for my family and my friends, I am thankful for every day when I am not sick or in the hospital, and I am thankful that as I grow older, my health is getting better. I don't seem to be in the hospital as much any more, and I am getting around better than I ever have since I had my knee replaced last year. I also am thankful that I have a close and personal Relationship with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and that I have a wonderful support system in my family, my church family, and my friends in and out of school. I have a lot to be thankful for, and I am very grateful for each and every day that I have.
I am also thankful for being born in America. Even though I may have had a rough start in life, I couldn't have been born in a better place than America because had I been born in a place like Africa or the Middle East or somewhere like that, I would probably have died, and I wouldn't get to enjoy the life that I have now. I am a free person, and I am able to do whatever I want, and say things without people getting (TOO) mad or offended, and I also can worship any way I want, and I also can vote when I am older (almost six more years!!) and choose whom I would want for President. (If I had been old enough this year, I would have voted for President George Bush, who won. I was so happy to know that he got a second term for President!!) I also can be anything my little heart desires, and for me, that is music (and also writing). I have been able to fulfull both dreams, and I am very happy with my life right now.
I am happy I am here in America because I can say the Pledge of Allegience with "Under God" in it, and nobody can remove it, thanks to a law that recently went into effect. Now, not everyone believes like I do, but I don't think that I (or others) should be punished for using "Under God" in the Pledge! I also can thank our veterans, living and those who have gone on to Glory, because if it were not for them, I wouldn't be free. I wouldn't enjoy what other nations don't have or take for granted, and I wouldn't be able to do what I do here. I have so much opportunity, and it is exciting to think what the future holds in store for me (and for my family and friends).
I also have good educational opportunities here in America, and I go to a very good school. When I am older, I can go to college, like some of my older sisters have done, and I can get a degree in Journalism or Writing, or even further persue my musical career. I could be a doctor, or a lawyer, or even a physicist, if that is what I desire; and nobody can stop me from achieving my dreams, whatever they may be!
Thanksgiving is a fun holiday for me. I get time off from school, and we get to see the family members who are now gone, and we get to meet new family members (this year, I get to meet my twin nephews, who are the sons of my oldest sister, Lightning; they are only four and a half months old!). I also get to play with my cousins in the leaves, and also see my friends from Alaska, Texas, and California; they are coming to spend Thanksgiving with us, and it is going to be a wild, wonderful, special time for our family! I love the Cajun-fried turkey that maman makes every year, and I love the smell of all the trimmin's, and I love watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every year on TV. I also love having some time off from school, and looking forward to Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, which is when we start off our Christmas shopping and start getting ready for Christmas! We always have a good time on Thanksgiving, and I look forward to it every year!
I have plenty of things to be Thankful for, and it is no wonder that I consider Thanksgiving to be one of my favorite holidays out of the year!!
Thanks Karen for sharing this. It reminds me of the thanksgiving I have shared many times over with my family and friends. Though clouded with the latest events of War and Terror, I will still be thankful and say, God Bless America.
Proud to be an Ameircan
Reviewed by Judy Lloyd
11/6/2004
A really remarkable story that I enjoyed. Today an Iraqi came up to us at the fleamarket where I sell jewelry. He saw a flag pin. He got so excited that he tickled me and then he said. "God bless merica. Thank you." Then he kissed the flag because he is free and I had to hug him. Yes we have a lot to be thankful for.
Karen I wish this could be published in the major newpapers for the holiday! It is a joy to read someone who appreciates their country instead of constantly finding fault and demeaning it! That's not to say they can't give their opinion, it's just that you'd think living in the best country in the world they could at least fins something good to say!;-) Love this! Eileen! Send it to the whitehouse, get the addy from google. I sent them a prayer once they print and use! You never know;-)
Reaux, Ronee' L.
