Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for so many things we tend to take for granted because we've never had to do without them for any length of time and we often forget that a lot of people in this world aren't so fortunate:

I'm thankful for having plenty of food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over my head. I'm thankful for having a car to drive. I'm thankful that both my house and my car are paid for and that I don't have any debt. I'm thankful for electricity, indoor plumbing, clean water, heating, air conditioning, medical care, glasses and contact lenses to correct my vision, and even things as basic as personal hygiene products such as soap and toothpaste.

I'm thankful for having a sense of humor and plenty of things to laugh about. I'm thankful for all of the things that make life more enjoyable, like great literature, music, movies, television, and poetry. I'm thankful for my computer and internet connection and my cell phone.

I'm thankful for my education. I'm thankful that I have a job I enjoy, a wonderful boss, and a great part-time schedule that allows me plenty of time to take care of things at home, spend time with friends and family, and pursue other interests.

I'm thankful for all of my friends, both the online and face-to-face varieties, and for my family and my pets. I'm thankful that I got to see my little brother last week, although I'm sad that the occasion that brought him to town was the funeral of an old family friend.

I'm thankful that I live in a Western democracy (or a representative democracy if you want to get technical about it) and that I live in relative safety and freedom and not in a war zone or refugee camp or some oppressive dictatorship.

I could probably keep going, but you get the idea. I am incredibly fortunate and very thankful.