I have been sitting back, reflecting on what the month of November means to me and what I am grateful for in this crazy year. Gone are the sunny days of summer, the outdoor barbecues, the golf games and the rich hue of autumn leaves. The air is brisk and those clouds forming in the sky just might mean snow … oh, no! It’s time to get snow tires!
On November 1, Daylight Saving Time was officially over and the days will continue to grow shorter and shorter. Typically, this really bothers me, as I love the longer days. This year, I have decided to embrace it. I am taking the opportunity to slow down a little bit and to, honestly, be grateful for what is good in life and what I have.
It’s been a trying year, pandemic and all, and sometimes the whole world seems to be upside down. But, still, there is a lot for which I’m grateful. I am writing fun, interesting and informative articles for the readers of My City Magazine. I get to meet a lot of great people and share their stories. For this issue, I was honored to write a piece about my good friend, Tom Pabst, a successful local lawyer and decorated Vietnam veteran, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share his story with you.
Honoring veterans in our November issue is something My City has always done. Veterans Day (November 11) is an opportunity for all of us to remember those who have fought to protect our country. I am grateful for all who have served – especially my father, James Dennison, who was a turret gunner during World War II and my brother, Joe Dennison, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. I am also grateful that I had the opportunity to write about the Great Lakes National Veterans Cemetery in Holly. It is a humbling experience to visit those sacred grounds and see the rows upon rows of white marble headstones. It brings tears to my eyes every time.
I’m am also grateful that I have remained healthy this year (knocking on wood) and that all members of my family are healthy, as well. And we will celebrate that on my very favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. If I am lucky, we will all (safely) gather to share a turkey dinner with all of the fixings and pumpkin pie for dessert!
With everything that has been happening in the world, we have seen some ugliness. But I am most grateful for the good I have seen in people – the many who have worked hard to help others, even at the risk of their own safety, to help their fellow man and make the world a better place. That is what really makes Thanksgiving so special this year. The good people should be remembered in our Thanksgiving prayers.
Yes, I am very, very grateful for what I have.
shodography / stock.adobe.com
