THE THANKSGIVING LETTER

It is nearly dusk as the sun greets the orange and blue horizon over Boston Harbor.  Judy and her daughter, Michelle, cuddled together on their living room couch. Michelle, just three years old, draws her baby doll closely to her chest, and holds her mother's hand tightly. 

With their Thanksgiving feast now complete, family and friends gathered to listen to the traditional reading of "The Thanksgiving Letter."  The television is turned off allowing for a short break from football. Everyone silently watches as Judy opens a yellowed, cracked letter and starts to read it aloud. The letter was from Judy's father, written to her mother on Thanksgiving Day in 1943 during World War II.

Judy reads out loud -

My Dear Precious Angel,

On this Thanksgiving morning, my heart and spirit long to be with yours. The recent months have seen much progress in the War, but not without tremendous cost. It hurts to say that many of my fellow soldiers and friends will not be spending Thanksgiving here or anywhere else. They have paid the ultimate price so that we may gather on this day - whether in a bunker, a tank, or back home in Boston - to celebrate our many blessings.

We cannot and will not forget these brave men and women, and we should forevermore, recall on Thanksgiving Day the pain they endured in the name of freedom - freedom from oppression; freedom from tyranny; freedom from fear. 

Today, you may ask what I am thankful for as I sit here in this godforsaken bunker, not knowing if the next shell is meant for me.

I am thankful for my mother and father who taught me right from wrong - even though I insisted I knew all the answers.

I am thankful for my teachers who pushed me to learn from the past so that I may forge a bright future.

I am thankful for my faith that has opened up my heart and mind to others, and has given me courage during many dark nights.

I am thankful for our many walks through the woods when we dreamed about our future together.

I am thankful for our beautiful daughter, Judy, whom I long to cradle in my arms.

I am thankful for our freedom that comes at such a great cost.

Today, as you and Judy gather together in the kitchen of our Boston apartment, and for all the Thanksgivings yet to come, please know that deep in your hearts I am there with you. Even though many miles separate us, my love for you both grows stronger with every passing day. 

And this love ... is what I am truly thankful for.

With much love and affection, 

 John

The room remained silent as everyone in their own way gave thanks for their many blessings. Then a round of applause broke out, the television was turned back on and pumpkin pie was served with a side of vanilla ice cream. 

The Thanksgiving celebration continues!

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On this Thanksgiving Day, please take a moment to recognize and thank those who have made a difference in your life - at work, at home, and within your community. Thank each other for the large and small things they have done throughout the year to help you grow, learn, and dream. Thanksgiving is not just a single day. It is every day exhibiting a spirit of gratitude and service for what has past, and what is yet to be.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Until Next Friday,