Welcome <$firstname$>, A
Thanksgiving Message
Thanksgiving is our
traditional day to say Thank You for all of the blessings we have
received over the past year.
Today, my wife and I are
in Santa Barbara, California. We just celebrated Thanksgiving with a
wonderful early dinner at Stella Mare, a restaurant near the ocean,
hidden from view, a traditional French restaurant with country decor.
As we dined, the waiters
served us with a refreshing touch of joy and gratitude for what they
had. Yet just a week earlier, the owner of that restaurant had lost her
house in Montecito to a wildfire that destroyed many beautiful mansions.
As I write this, many
residents of that small town are anxiously waiting to see if mudslides
from yesterday's rains cause as much damage as the fires did.
Aside from the fires,
many people have lost jobs over the month or so, company's have closed,
the economy looks to be in difficult shape for a while.
In the midst of such
turmoil, we give thanks for everything we have. This day is a powerful
reminder that should remember that which we still have, our families,
our friends, our communities.
We have much to be
thankful for in this country. No matter the transient difficulties there
is a sense of optimism about the future here that is unstoppable. We as
a country, we as members of our communities and we as members of our
families have the power to create our own futures as long as we do not
fall victim to fear.
Remember those who have
already suffered the worst losses possible and have survived. Remember
the restaurant owner who joyfully serves Thanksgiving dinner even though
her house is in ashes. Remember the family that gathers together, even
though the breadwinner may be out of work, and gives thanks for all
their blessings. Any problems you may have will seem trivial in
comparison.
Enjoy the rest of today
and give thanks every moment for all that is right in your world. The
future is ours to make, no matter where we start today.
Here in Santa Barbara,
yesterday was cloudy, wet, cold and windy. Today it is clear, with blue
skies and crystal clear air, warm but not hot, a perfect day. Last night
we shivered on the beach, watching a sunset that never came. Today we
will walk in the sun, enjoying a quiet, peaceful and lovely day.
Life changes that
quickly. May yours change to embrace fully the bright new days ahead.
The coming year will be filled with much to be thankful for. I look
forward to experiencing every one of them. I would love to hear about
your successes of the past year and the ones to come in the next year.
Have a wonderful
Thanksgiving and wonderful holiday season.
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