The sweet aromas of Thanksgiving are starting to fade. It was less than 48 hours ago that many of us were as stuffed as the turkeys we served up, dozing off on the couch, watching football or enjoying time with friends and family.

Those are all important parts of the holiday tradition, but it is critical we remind ourselves of the “giving thanks” part of Thanksgiving — on that day and for the other 364.

It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives that we take for granted so many things that truly shouldn’t be overlooked, the things we live and work for every day.

Every single person — regardless of gender, race, religion, socio-economic status or any other label that society wants to apply — has reasons for which they can be thankful for year-round.

This is a commonality that binds us together.

I started this list many years ago and keep adding to it each year. Although you could say some are “no brainers,” those may be the most important ones to acknowledge so we never take them for granted. So here they are again:

— I am thankful for God and simply being here on this earth. 

— I am thankful to my parents for instilling the values in me that have helped me be successful professionally and in life.

— I am thankful for my wonderfully supportive wife who helped me change my life when I was at a personal crossroads and to whom I owe much of any success I have achieved. 

— I am thankful for my two smart, healthy and beautiful daughters who never fail to help put everything in perspective when I am having a bad day. 

— I am thankful for the opportunity to “come home” and join some great communities in Central Kentucky. The welcome has been nothing short of amazing.

— I am thankful for some great co-workers at The Winchester Sun who make going to the office each day fun. 

— I am thankful for the vision of our founding fathers, men who developed a system of government built on freedoms that has made America the greatest country in the world. 

— I am thankful for all the men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the military to defend those freedoms. 

— I am thankful for all the great friends we have made in our new home.

— I am thankful for the amazing educators who help shape my children, giving selflessly to the development of our youth.

— I am thankful for the business and community leaders who make many sacrifices to create a better place to live. That goes for all the men and women who volunteer to give back to the community and expect nothing in return.

— I am thankful that, once a year, we can put a giant turkey on the table and eat until we can barely move. Millions of people, including many right here in Central Kentucky, are not that fortunate. We must not forget about helping those people. 

— I am thankful that, despite the violence and suffering in this world, that things can and will get better

I hope all our readers had a happy Thanksgiving filled with food, family and fellowship. Maybe we can all try to capture a little of that magic and carry it with us the rest of the year.

 

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Winchester Sun and Winchester Living magazine. He can be reached at (859) 759-0095 or by email at mike.caldwell@winchestersun.com.