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As my turkey settles and I think of maybe going and getting another slice of pie, I wonder about the less thankful. Those who aren’t celebrating, joyful, or happy today. The ones who find their misery more magnified on holidays and their hope increasingly diminished.
Maybe it is an old family dispute or the lack of ever knowing what family was. They were orphaned, either literally or figuratively. Perhaps they made a mistake in their past that neither they or their loved ones can forgive. Or maybe it’s the other way around.
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I think about those who are feeling separation from either distance or because of who they are. Ostracized for loving the wrong person, or fighting the wrong battles. Pushed away simply because of who they are.
I grieve for those living on the streets. Those who are battling mental, or physical disabilities in the silence of empty space, or in the noise of a busy street yet equally alone. Those who seemingly have nothing to legitimately be thankful. I think of them.
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As I look at my children with full bellies, warm blankets and surrounded by love. I know there are so many who aren’t having the same experience tonight. Some of which will end up being tomorrow’s depressing news story.
It seems almost selfish to talk about thankfulness when you consider these things. Yet, how can I not be thankful for where I am today? Circumstances could have easily broken the other direction for me. So I am thankful for all the people in my life and my past that helped direct me where I was going. I am thankful for their love and their dedication.
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We all need to remember how tough the holidays are for many. We can’t take for granted that everyone should enjoy them or be expected to say “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays.” They simply just want to get it over with quickly.
So enjoy the holiday season however you see fit. Just take the time to remember, in some way, those who won’t, or can’t.
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Photo: Getty Images
