One could think from some of my recent posts that I would not be the person to find much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. One could be wrong.
Even though things do look bad in the world at large, from a more personal standpoint, I have much to be thankful for. Mrs Freeholder and I are in good health (for our age) and are both gainfully employed with no obvious changes in that situation on the horizon. Financially, we are in much better shape than most, thanks to many years of “doing without” so that we could buy with cash and pay down debt. At this point in our lives, not owning people money is rather comforting, and something to be thankful for.
We have two healthy and intelligent children to be thankful for. While they, like many in their age group, are having a tough time of it in the job market, we are thankful that we are able to help them out. We’re also thankful that, unlike so many parents, we actually have a pretty good relationship with our kids.
We are also fortunate to have all of our needs covered, both in necessities and luxuries. We may live frugally (well, compared to many), but we are still able to go out to eat more than we probably should, see the occasional movie and do other things we find enjoyable. There are so many out there who have to choose between food and rent that sometimes I feel guilty not having to.
We have a warm home and a full table when many do not. I do not underestimate my good fortune; recently it has been the subject of several suppertime conversations. My children have had the good fortune of being raised “middle class”; I want to be sure they fully understand what that means, especially now.
I hope all of you are able to find things to be thankful for as well. Happy Thanksgiving.
