Thanksgiving

Here in the United States, we have a holiday called Thanksgiving Day. This year it happens on Thursday the 28th of November. Thanksgiving Day was originally a holiday for the early settlers to give thanks for surviving the winter from the previous year. It also marks the beginning of the Holiday season for the rest of 2024. Much shopping, eating, celebrations, and gatherings will happen.

Over the years, my perspective on what Thanksgiving Day means to me personally has changed. As a child, it meant a great culinary feast with turkey, smoked ham, green bean casserole, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry jelly, rolls, pecan pie, and my mother's signature dessert, red velvet cake.

As an early adult, it meant travelling back home with my wife to gather with my family around the same feast and to catch up with the family on what had been going on with them this year. We would talk deeply and bond together in an effort to show compassion for others.

These days, that same concept happens. Only now my wife and I will mark the day by inviting people over that do not have family nearby or at all, or those that are unemployed. We give thanks to God that we are in a position to do the above.

As I wrote this newsletter today, I thought back to those early settlers. Many of them had lost loved ones in the previous winter season. No doubt many began to reflect on their decision to come here and start a new life. The hardships faced by them were numerous.

And yet, they found something to be thankful for on that initial Thanksgiving Day. Thankful for survival. Thankful for a community. Thankful for food. Thankful for each day that they could enjoy life.

And so, I give thanks to each of you that follow me on LinkedIn.

Thankful to all of my clients.

Thankful for all of you that challenge me to grow.

Thankful to everyone that I have met in person.

Thankful for the possibilities that have presented themselves to me.

Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you!

Charles Cain