Thanksgiving is a low-key celebration in Canada as compared to what occurs for the Thanksgiving season in The United States.
But just because we don’t have the same kind of energetic hoopla does not in any way mean we are less thankful for our many blessings.
As I've said previously I am thankful for:
- I am thankful for my friends of many years and friends of more recent acquaintance. I am thankful for family members, here at home, and those living away. As families shrink through death, I realize more and more how much each one remaining means to me. I’m their sister, aunt, great and great great aunt, cousin and as the slogan says, “there’s nothing they can do about it!”
- He might not think it sometimes, but I am especially thankful for Housemate and all that he brings to our relationship. He’s a great travelling companion, a super grocery shopper, a gardener who produces vegetables of many varieties and sour fruit only he will eat. Only occasionally does he lose his cool when I interrupt his concentration during his business programs or financial stories. But deep down I know he’s glad to see and hear from me!
- Thank you to Canada’s military, the men and women who support the beliefs that make Canada a free and safe country. And thank you to their families who offer personal support behind the scenes.
- Thank you to the police and fire personnel who too often risk their lives while dealing with unruly citizens in the case of the police or for fire departments fighting fires that could take lives and do destroy property.
- I appreciate medical personnel who work to keep us healthy and living long and productive lives. In my experience, nurses cover hundreds of miles a day, comforting patients and working to fill slots left vacant in a lean system of health care.
- Thank you to ambulance attendants and first responders who are often the difference between life and death. They react calmly but with efficiency in getting patients to hospital while addressing the concerns of family members.
- I am thankful for educators, sports coaches, cadet leaders, music and dance teachers, theatrical producers, the clergy and all others who work to bring knowledge, recreation, culture and religious beliefs to their community.
- Volunteer organizations are the lifeblood of what happens to improve our quality of life. The volunteers who provide leadership to these groups are the unsung heroes of activities that raise money to equip hospitals and schools, build playgrounds and specialized care homes, support families in need and ensure comfort in times of distress.
- And I am also thankful that nearby communities and organizations are continuing to invite friends, neighbours and strangers to attend the traditional fowl or fall suppers. In some cases instead of turkey, the menu calls for roast beef, or perogies, cabbage rolls, baked ham or sausage. No matter what is on the menu, it is a wonderful experience to eat the homemade goodness that personifies life in Saskatchewan communities.
Some of the upcoming suppers are as follows: Oct. 15, Eyebrow; Oct. 21, Tugaske; Oct. 22, Rowletta Civic Centre and Briercrest; and Oct. 29, Mortlach and St. George’s Parish in Assiniboia. There may be others so please let me know.
Ones we already enjoyed or missed include Moose Jaw and District Seniors Association, Moose Jaw Cosmo Centre, Trinity United Church, Moose Jaw Eagles Club, Rockglen and Morse.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
