“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

–President John F. Kennedy

Don’t look now, folks, but Thanksgiving is only nine days away! Rumor has it that the grocers’ Butterballs are going fast and there’s already a line out the door at Honey Baked Ham. I don’t know about all that, but I do know there’s a lot to be thankful for. Here’s my list for 2023:

• Being born in America. With all its blemishes, it’s still the best place to live.

• The four freedoms.

• Unmerited grace.

• The unconditional love and support of family.

• The sanctity of marriage.

• Grandchildren. If you’re a grandparent, I need not say  more.

• Mulligans.

• Book editors. They do their dead-level best to take a grain of sand and turn it into a pearl!

• Readers. People, that is, not store-bought glasses!

• Good health. Oh, how we take it for granted until we lose it!

• Books. We pick the genre, turn the pages, and we’re swept into another world.

• Our service men and women, police, fire fighters, and medics.

• Houses of worship. True sanctuaries where we can worship with fellow believers who become family.

• Dogs. Okay; cats, too.

• Independent bookstores. Go there and you enjoy an experience you won’t get online at . . . well, you know.

• Teachers and ministers, most of whom are underpaid.

• Nurses. Doctors know they “save our bacon.” (Also underpaid!)

• Friends, old and new. When the time for your 50th high school reunion comes around, don’t miss it!

• High school football.

• Benevolent organizations and those who pour their hearts into them.

• Ocean Spray cranberry sauce. This is on the list for one special person–and you know who you are!

May you and yours have a very happy Thanksgiving!