As we enter the holiday season we will begin to hear a lot about kindness and appreciation. Sure, there will be the mental midgets who need to take issue with holiday displays and transmitted sentiments (we should really pity their stunted intellect as they celebrate their generic event) but for the most part we will begin to hear quite a bit about giving thanks, peace on earth, goodwill, brotherhood, sharing and sacrifice. This is the season of hope and while certain political opportunists incessantly try to franchise that word, for all their efforts, they are included in this joyous season as well.
I could go on to explain what it is I am thankful for this holiday season but truth be told, I am grateful for all I have each and every day of my life. I celebrate my family and friends and I give thanks for what I have and the opportunities that are presented to me. I am inclined to concur with an old and dear friend of mine who lives in North Florida: If you wake-up breathing it’s a pretty good day.
No, today I want to speculate on instances of gratitude that we as a society may be inclined to overlook, even throughout the holiday season.
There is the gratitude of the first time mother and father, who after experiencing the disappointment of years of infertility now hold in their arms, but for the grace of God, a life that they created together. Having never given up their dream of bringing a child into this world they dared to believe; they dared to hope. Today they see the power of hope in their baby’s eyes and they are thankful.
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Frank Salvato also serves as the managing editor for The New Media Journal. His writing has been recognized by the US House International Relations Committee and the Japan Center for Conflict Prevention.
