THANKSGIVING 2014
In what has now become a tradition for the last four years,
we are spending Thanksgiving in New Orleans with our son, Sean, Jane, Joseph
and Eve with their new addition, Benny, a beautiful and loving Yorkshire
Terrier.
In the midst of many problems in our nation and the world
that stir anxiety, Thanksgiving gives another chance to on the positive. Admittedly, our personal good fortune
is a gift that many others do not experience. For this moment, however, I have
to abstract from the negative and focus on the positive.
It never gets old to recall the novelty of my being married
and parenting children. For several years, I lived with such options
denied by my choice to become a priest. I continue to be amazed that I live
with Joan and experience my children as productive and enjoyable friends.
I never lose the sense of awe that such experiences are
ordinary. I could not have scripted a better story. It has been a gift.
While I miss our family members in New Orleans and New York,
I treasure their visits to us and ours, to them. Thankfully, our more frequent moments with Sara and family
never get old and remain treasures.
Crazy as it seems, I am mindful of my Face Book friends who
have become a part of my life. I appreciate what has been shared and hope that
comments and feedback give comfort to those sharing problems and support to
those fighting the good fight.
Being a holiday distinct to the United States, Thanksgiving
is a day to reflect on our good fortune as we work to ensure that our nation’s
values will correct our wayward decisions. We have a treasured Constitution
that was intended to guide us changes that are inevitable with time.
