Gratitude

Don reminds me that Thanksgiving is a "pilgrim" experience and I do believe he is correct. Of course, there were pilgrims on St. James Way long before American pilgrims set sail for the new world. I do see a commonality in their separate journeys and share with you today my own journey as a pilgrim. Having acknowledged the season, I must move to the gratitude part of today's posting. As we gathered around the Turkey in my house, our hands joined and we each took a turn at expressing gratitude. Tradition won out and we did not discuss politics, although football was certainly mentioned. Being in gratitude is a state of mind I try not to wonder far from these days since I have so much to be grateful for.
I hope all of you were able to reflect on your own place in this world and that you were able to find a thing or two to be grateful for.
Thankfully, preparations continue for my walk on The Way. My ticket is purchased and this week I found a pair of nearly purple hiking boots and for this I am certainly grateful. I listened to NPR today and heard the story of families struggling to improve their conditions in cities across America. The premise being that families acting together to encourage and support each other are more successful than the lone and lonely among us. I really believe that if a child or young adult really sees and believes that another human being of import in their lives, believes in them, they feel better about themselves and this leads to successful attainment of goals. It is not a handout they need, but a hand to hold as they and we stand around that Thanksgiving table.

Occupy my mind

Headlines give me pause in my day to day. I read and see the soaring costs of education and the evil twin of 9% unemployment. Visions of struggling students, including my own children's struggles to get an education that comes loaded with promise and debt; this is what "occupys" my head and heart. Another headline tells me there is a growing shortage of health care workers. The Obama administration is going to spend billions on innovative programs directed at fast tracking Americans into the health care field. Oh, but wait! Who can pay and how can every child benefit? So, let's not wait for the answers that may never come. The small contributions can help and my quest is not in vain if we can help someone get that education.
Bringing the thoughts that "occupy" my mind into the realm of possibility gives me hope for the future.

11-11-11

For all its numerical significants, yesterday came and went like many others.  The world is full of unrest, poverty, injustice; likely similar to the last 11-11-11 a hundred years ago.  Today we hear and see it all and it overwhelms.  Veterans day itself always makes me think of my family and loved ones who served our country.  I remember their names and faces, sometimes their voice and smell.  Robert, Tom, Jerry, Tommy, Verlon...

I'll take their memory with me on The Way.