Thanksgiving and other thoughts

It seems like Thanksgiving is coming earlier lately, then when I looked at the calendar I realized that it actually is coming earlier – the 22nd this year! I googled this question and found out that Thanksgiving was originally declared November 26, By George Washington, but later changed to the fourth Thursday of the month of November, By Abraham Lincoln and others. So now were stuck with the cycle of Thanksgiving coming earlier each year for a while, then it will cycle back eventually to the latter part of the month. Interesting trivia but relatively meaningless – the real meaning has to do with being thankful, grateful and expressing your gratitude with family and friends over a comfortable meal. Each year for the last 15 years, my good friend, Bob and his wife, have joined us for Thanksgiving dinner. For the first 10 years or so, we used to go out for Thanksgiving to one of the hotels or restaurants – preferring just to be gluttonous and not worry about cooking or cleaning up. That's was always fun, but expensive. For the last five years, since I've been living with ALS and cannot get out as easily, Bob cooks the turkey and brings it over to our apartment. It's a small affair, but enjoyable and a wonderful tradition. I hope that all of you, my friends and family, have your own tradition of gathering together. Enjoy the time together – ignore all of the ridiculous commercialization on television and at the stores. Be safe, loving, and thankful for every little thing. I love you all and thank you for your continued friendship and support.