This Thanksgiving we all have something we are thankful for. Perhaps it's still having a job. Perhaps it's the addition to your family. Perhaps it's bringing your family together for a day of festivities. My family has been one that has been crunched by the economic issues we have all been facing. Construction has been a booming industry in my area and now we are all doing the law of the jungle theory. (survival of the fittest) The true companies with the best quality and good prices are the ones who stay open. (hense still being employed)

With the economy being the way it is and work being so slow, I was extremely worried that a traditional Thanksgiving feast in my home wasn't going to occur. It doesn't seem like much to afford a 20(ish) pound turkey and the "trimmings" but they do add up to a cost that I couldn't afford. I know people in my area are all faced with hardships as well as my family has.

It amazes me that with everyone being in the same boat, there was still a greater supply of donations of thanksgiving baskets than there was a demand for. Through the generosity of some unknown family, my family gets to celebrate the tradition of a Thanksgiving meal.

When the meal is over and the first wave of tryptophan causes sleep (the enzyme in turkey that attributes to sleep)
my family will still be thankful. We are thankful for each other and the gift of life we have. We are thankful that although we don't have a lot of money, we still have a warm home, lights, and a roof over our heads. We are thankful for our health and my ability to work when there is some to pay the bills.

My kids both wrote things they were thankful for in school. Most of the things were associated with family. (proud of them) Of course, kids being kids, some other things mentioned were Candy, a Pillow, (my daughter lol)
Their bikes, toys etc... It was a good smile provided reading the fruits of their thankfulness.

I know this Christmas season (come hell or high water) I am going to provide my children with gifts and keep instilling the true meaning of the Holiday. My family is going to spread holiday cheer through baking for our friends and loved ones. (some of you Fogie's should expect a dose) We are going to purchase some items from the local giving tree. (one hand washes another) I encourage you to do the same thing. You would be amazed at some of the smallest gift requests that would make a childs day.

Wondering how I am going to patch this into the fire service? I can't really. All I can say is sometimes those in great need can be the ones you talk to on scenes, in the firehouse, or it could even be your own family. Sometimes it is hidden, sometimes obvious. Give when you can give. You never know when you may be the one praying to be the recipient of someones giving and thoughfulness.