What Are You Thankful For?

[Me.]

Even in the darkest days there are things, lsrge & small, to be thankful for. You could be thankful you're not a member of the * family, Rudy's wife or Judy's husband...and so on. It might be that despite all the messes in the world there are wonderful things such a plumpy nuts and, your own belovedfamily.

'In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for. As for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.'

- H.L. Mencken

[gateley]

1. Judge Judy? nt

[Me.]

9. Judy Guiliani

I don't know whose homework is harder, his or hers

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. I'm thankful for an interesting life

I took the road less traveled by--and it has made all the difference.

[Me.]

12. You Could Also Be Thankful For Your Courage

which led you to travel down an unbeaten path

[Al Federfer]

3. I'm thankful that the U.S. isn't a full-blown police state...yet. n/t

[Me.]

11. A Small Mercy But One Nevertheless

we could be Pakistan

[terrya]

4. Well...

I have a job, a roof over my head, reasonably good health, a wonderful, loving family and friends, and the most wonderful, amazing soulmate and partner I could ever have hoped for.

I think those are things to be extremely thankful for.

[Me.]

17. Add To That

you are in a position to help us all by donating and keeping this place going

[redqueen]

5. My health and the health of my family and loved ones.

And most of all, for my best friend.

[Me.]

19. Plus

your royal connection. Off with their neoconnish heads!

[BOSSHOG]

6. My Wife

of 33 years for without her I would either be dead or passed out in a gutter somewhere. I guess I should be thankful for my good looks instead of just taking them for granted. A wonderful career in the Navy and the nice pension that the wonderful tax payers of our country present to me on the first of every month. I am the last in my immediate family but my in laws are without a doubt God Sent to me. Also the opportunity to give to charities of my choice. Not alot but often. Great question and thanks for asking.

[Me.]

10. You Have A Lot Going On There

even without those good looks

[gateley]

16. I wish you much continued happiness! What a beautiful post - thanks! nt

[BOSSHOG]

45. Thats very kind of you

I am incredibly lucky when it comes to the spousal unit. She is a wonderful human being and I definitely got the better end of the deal. Now if I'd only take care of myself like she tells me to.

[Audio_Al]

7. Lots of things this year. We stayed healthy, went on some good travel, and will be able to go...

to Florida for three weeks in December with our children and grandchildren.

My wife and I have had challenges, but all in all, we have had a pretty decent year, and we look forward to working for better government in 2008, whoever heads it up.

Thanks for the chance to refocus on this Tuesday morning. The sun is out. Our neighbors are raking leaves and we had it done for us already. Our glass is more than half full.

Respectfully,



Audio Al, your Radio Pal

[Me.]

13. Nice

:thumbsup:

[Eurobabe]

8. Not living in a police state n/t

:hi:

[Me.]

25. That's Right

Martial law isn't being served up with our Thanksgiving dinner.

[Audio_Al]

14. My wife is glad I don't have Alzheimer's and I'm not loving another old lady. Read this:

From DUer Deep ModemMom: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3064587

New Page in O'Connors' Love Story: Sandra Day O'Connor's Alzheimer's patient husband finds new love
Source: USA Today

By Joan Biskupic, USA Today
Posted: 2007-11-13

(Nov. 13) -- Retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's husband, who suffers from Alzheimer's, has found a new romance, and his happiness is a relief to his wife, an Arizona TV report reveals. The report, which quoted the couple's oldest son, Scott O'Connor, focused on Alzheimer's patients who forget their spouses and fall in love with someone else. Experts say the scenario is somewhat common.

Offering a glimpse into the private life of a woman who has remained on the public stage since her Supreme Court retirement in 2006 to care for her husband, the report spotlighted John O'Connor, 77. He and the woman, referred to only as "Kay," live at a Phoenix facility for people with Alzheimer's.

"Mom was thrilled that Dad was relaxed and happy and comfortable living here and wasn't complaining," Scott, 50, told KPNX-Channel 12 in Phoenix in a story that aired Thursday. The station is owned by Gannett, as is USA TODAY.

Though Sandra Day O'Connor, 77, did not appear in the television report, it gave a rare look at the life of the nation's first female justice. The family's willingness to highlight an aspect of a heart-wrenching illness recalled O'Connor's decision in 1994 to go public with her feelings about breast cancer. In a speech to the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, she spoke about discovering the cancer in 1988 and undergoing a mastectomy....

(More at original link.)

[Me.]

22. Sandra Dayo

Should be thankful that her husband's happiness is more important than her ego.

[Audio_Al]

29. This is the essence of love. First read about it in O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi."

Available on line if you've never read it.

http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/ohenry/bl-ohenry-giftmagi.htm

What is the most treasured possession you own?

Now, would you sacrifice that possession to insure the one you love has what he/she needs?

What if that possession is actually the act of loving itself?

Respectfully,

Audio Al
Volunteer English teacher at local Oregon Literacy Council -- for students learning English as a second language
Read more about my pursuits at: www.journals.democraticunderground.com/Audio_Al

[bdamomma]

15. just being able to wake up in the morning.

and having this site to go to.

[Me.]

18. That's A Priority For Me Too

Love having another day each morning is pretty good

[gateley]

20. I'm recommending this. I'm going through a point where sometimes it's difficult

to be grateful, and these responses help me put it all into perspective. Hope others get a chance to see it. Thanks for the thread!! :hi:

[Me.]

24. You're Certainly Welcome

It's easy these days to slump. But even little things count. There are Iraq vets who would be thankful for 10 fingers.

:hi: Back at you.

[azmouse]

21. I'm thankful that I have the ability to take care of myself and others.

I have enough to eat.
I have a safe place to sleep at night.
I have books to read.
I have people to love and who love me.

[Me.]

26. The Basics

Have always been the best, the rest is frosting.

[Audio_Al]

23. K & R to this one, the week before Thanksgiving. Let's keep it going.

There really is a balance sheet in this life. What's on the plus/gain side of yours?

Thanks, Me. (Me, too.)

Al

[Vilis Veritas]

27. I woke up and took a breath...

Today was 'Donuts with Dad' at my son's elementary school...also, the book fair. I bought him 6 books today. He was named to the Honor Role last week.

I coach the best soccer team in town and I love coaching those kids. Best group of 7 year olds I know.

My wife still loves me, despite my faults.

Peace

[Me.]

35. 'Donuts With Dad'

How sweet is that? And honor roll too.

[LanternWaste]

28. Quiet evenings at my place after a long day/week of work...

Quiet evenings at my place after a long day/week of work. Throw a log onto the fire, light a few candles, put the water on to boil and finally relax on my sofa, idling the hours with a well-intentioned book whilst playing whatever music moves me at the moment.

I'm also thankful that I'm still single-- after seeing every single friend of mine (the group of us have been hanging out for over twenty years) getting a divorce or planning to (with one exception out of the eight of them), I'm *very* thankful I never mistook the New Car smell of a relationship for actual love.

I'm thankful for my friend at work-- she's aces, and makes the office tolerable and keeps me from shooting myself in the head every morning.

I'm thankful the primaries are closer to being over-- so we can concentrate on the real enemies, instead of calling each other "misguided", "uniformed" or "ignorant". I'll never get used to hearing one progressive say that to another progressive.

It would seem I've set the bar pretty low on what I'm thankful for. So I'm thankful for low bars.... :evilgrin:

[Me.]

32. Logs On Fires...

makes me jealous. Should it be me or you who is thankful for having something I want but at least somebody has?

[emilyg]

30. My family, friends and LIFE.

[Me.]

36. The Essentials

Leave all of us with much to be thankful for

[H2O Man]

31. Today.

I am thankful for today. I have my family, our home, and I am thankful for that. I am thankful for the land, water, and air around me. The plants and animals. I am thankful for all of this, and do not want to ever take it for granted, for what we have today can be taken away in an instant.

Joseph Bruchac wrote a beautiful poem:

Water Thanks

The drop of water
hangs from the faucet
pulsing, the heart
of the well still beating

I never drink water
Harold Elm told me
even from the sink
without sayin
a prayer of thanks

The drop of water
trembles, holding
the face of all the worlds

Harold Elm existed in a different reality than someone who does not give any thought to the water they drink and use every day. His wife gave thanks for the produce from her garden, and the wild foods she gathered. Mrs. Elm existed in a different reality than those who buy cans of corn from a store shelf. Giving thanks helps define our relationship to life, and the world we exist in.

Thus, thanks for the question!

[Me.]

37. There Are Many These Days

Who are realizing the value of water. I gave thanks this morning because I had a nice hot shower.

[steve2470]

33. for DU ! nt

[Me.]

38. It Saved My Sanity Too!

[Audio_Al]

34. Five votes made it to the greatest. We need other K&Rs from you.

Thanks, everybody. Give more than 100,000 people the chance to think about this.

Even if they are somewhere in the world that doesn't have Thanksgiving next week.

Audio Al

[trashcanistanista]

39. I'm thank ful for seeing the country slowly but surely

turn around. People are becoming more aware of the evils of the past 7 years. I see it a little bit every day in my blood red district and it literally keeps me going. I am thankful for DU and my local Democratic Club which provides the motivation to keep fighting, the solidarity of others and the conviction that we will accomplish this great thing in our lives, which is taking back our country and getting rid of the criminals in charge. I am looking forward to the climax.

[Me.]

42. There Will Come A Thanksgiving

when we'll all be relieved that the smoke has been cleared from so many eyes

[Marrah_G]

40. That my brother is home alive and with all his original body parts.

[Me.]

43. HUGE!

[L. Coyote]

41. The Internet, the WWW, and sites like DU. What a great revolution we have.

[Me.]

44. Amazing What You Can Find Out

in five minutes, no trips to the library stacks, or phone calls to make. It;s all there, at our fingertips.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

46. The knowledge that I'm going to die.

Which puts everything else in perspective.

I'm grateful for every ragged, lovely, gasping, soft, angry, grieving, joyful, excited, bored, laughing, crying, breath I've ever taken.

I expect to be equally grateful for every future breath that I take.

The best reason for living is life itself. The daily magic show is endlessly fascinating if I just pay attention to what's going on.

[Me.]

49. What You Said

:thumbsup:

[Terri S]

106. beautifully put!

Thank YOU for putting it more eloquently than I could.

[OnionPatch]

47. My family

The most important thing in the world for me is my family. Happily, I have a great one. (All Democrats too. :)) As long as I have them, there will always be light in my life. :loveya:

[Me.]

48. All Dems?

Now that IS something to be thankful for.

[OnionPatch]

59. Well, there is Uncle Dave....

but we'll let him slide as long as he sticks to the "no right-wing emails rule." He's way to old to change his ways now. :) The rest are all Dems, bleeding-heart liberals, at that. I love 'em to pieces!

[Raine]

50. Making it (almost) thru another year

it's been rough with three deaths in my extended family but so far those that are the very closest to me are still here.

[Me.]

54. That Is Rough

Let's hope things ease with the next one

[Nay]

51. I'm thankful for no debt besides a small mortgage, a loving family,

a good and stable job (although I don't like the job itself), and my good health.

Right now, I'm thankful for the beauty of the fall leaves, rain, and a cozy bed.

[Me.]

55. You have A LoT Of Yeas

in your life

[Gregorian]

52. Trees. And music.

And the forums. And bike rides.

That's really about it. I guess you could say I live a simple life. And I am also glad to not be a Republican.

[Me.]

56. Menchen Totally

Got that one right, I mean who wants to be like the coultergeist or billo? We've got too much going for us to want to be like them.

[lonestarnot]

53. Fight'n Irish, real dems, my kid, my mom, seeing eye dogs, my roof,

and my nice ass. :)

[Me.]

57. All Of That Is Good

But we'll be the judge of your A$$ :-)

[lonestarnot]

58. Heh.

[Odin2005]

60. I am thankful that my cousin Wayne has come home from Iraq in one piece.

I am thankful for my 8 year old niece Skylar and my 13 moth old nephew Airasen.

I am thankful for a mother, a father, a stepfather, and a big sister that raised me well.

I am thankful that my 84 year old grandmother is still with us.

I am thankful for having been able to grow up in a cozy little rural community were everybody knows everybody and nobody has to lock their doors.

I am thankful to have food on the table.

I am thankful to have a roof over my head.

I am thankful to have tons upon tons of books

I am thankful for being able to attend college.

I am thankful for being born a liberal democratic society, despite it's warts and imperfections.

I am thankful to born in an age when the Internet is making finding news and information easy.

[Me.]

66. So Glad To Hear About Your Son

[Forkboy]

61. I have the best friend on the planet.

And that'll have to do until they make another Godzilla movie, dammit. x(

[Me.]

67. Don't Hold Your Breath On That

but at least you have breath to hold :-)

[Forkboy]

72. Oh, there's a 3d Imax thing they're working on, but I need a real film!

Not some 30 minute "barely hold me over" type thing. :)

There's also rumors that Quentin Tarentino is interested in doing a Godzilla film.At a recent interview he said it was the one franchise he wants to take over.Pulp Zilla!

[Me.]

73. Is There A Godzilla 12 Step

you could join in the meantime? :hi:

[Forkboy]

75. LOL...I'll have to look into that.

"Step 13..start all over again!"

It'll be like when I went to Gambler's Anonymous and they bet me 2 to 1 I wouldn't make it. ;)

[Perseid]

62. yesterday and today

and cheese

[Me.]

68. Hope Your Life

isn't all bleu

[blues90]

63. The one thing I am grateful for

Is my wife or 27 years , without her my life would be meaningless and empty .

[Me.]

69. Bet She Feels The Same

[Hidden Stillness]

64. Several Things

Thankful for many things: that I have a home to live in, my two wonderful dogs, that the Era of Horror is nearly over and that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, that even with emotional suffering and being not merely perplexed but totally lost, you can find your way back and live again, that most people are not judging you as harshly as you think or fear they are, that you can always learn, or rebuild, or start again, and that we all live in the moral universe of God. Grateful for an ordinary sense of calm.

[Me.]

70. You Should Also Be Grateful

for wisdom

[OwnedByFerrets]

65. I am thankful that I lived 45 years (Im 51 now) in an America

I could be proud of. I no longer feel that pride. Will it return? Maybe, but Im not sure.

[Me.]

71. Hope

still lives in all of us here on DU

[Blashyrkh]

74. Sleep. Any chance to get away from the fucking noise machine that is western civilisation.

[Me.]

79. Like A Baby

I Hope

[kineneb]

76. Hubby came home from the hospital this evening

I was seriously worried that he would not leave alive. As it is, he is very underweight and fragile. But at least he is able to sleep in his own bed tonight, after 2 weeks in the hospital.

He is on dialysis and has a very weak heart which allows fluid to accumulate in his abdomen and around his lungs. There is not much more that the docs can do for him, except to help keep him as comfortable as possible for as long as he wants to live.

[Me.]

80. That, Really Puts Things In Perspective

Thank you

[Perry Logan]

77. I'm thankful that Republicans are such screw-ups.

[Me.]

78. And Dumb As Sticks Too!

[4_TN_TITANS]

81. Lots to be thankful for...

The national outlook isn't much to celebrate, but I found a much higher paying job at the start of this year, bought a "new to us" house with plenty of room and lots of yard, my daughters are healthy as horses. I'm truly lucky.

[Me.]

82. 'A Home'

One of the nicest things to be thankful for

[Gelliebeans]

83. I am thankful

for my family :)

and bush's reign of terror will end next year. :evilgrin:

[Me.]

91. Did Any Of Us Think We Could Make It Through These Years

intact? Thank God for family and friends. :toast:

[dropkickpa]

84. Thankful for my and my families health

-that I got the job I wanted
-that I live in a Dem town
-that the Steelers beat Cleveland
-that I have a roof over my head and am not in insane amounts of debt
-that the dog didn't go poop in the house once yesterday
-that I had a good lunch today
-that it's pumpkin pie season again
-that my papercut finally healed
-that the new upstairs neighbors are loud and noisy (means they shouldn't be bugged by me and Dropkid being loud and noisy)
-that I have a place to o to interact with like minded people, even when there are disagreements

[Gelliebeans]

86. Not going

poop in the house is a big deal here at our home too, (seriously with 2 dogs and 2 cats). :hi:

:rofl:

[Me.]

88. It's The Little Things ...

isn't it? A healed paper cut, a nice lunch, not having to clean up after the dog....

[dropkickpa]

95. The little things make everything more bearable

And not having to clean up after the dog is really high on that list!!!!!

[JohnnyBoots]

85. My very patient and loving wife. n/t

[Me.]

89. Loving And Patient Spouses

are the best... O8)

[debbierlus]

87. My family, my dogs, good food, good music, laughter, & soft things

[Me.]

90. Lot Of Thanking Going On There

may it be multiplied 10x

[seabeyond]

92. my gosh so much. i overflow in abundance to be thankful for. n/t

[Me.]

93. Wow!

That is really nice to hear

[shanti]

94. my health

and the health of my family. that's got to be #1! my friends, job, home...

[Me.]

96. It Is So Important

and such a blessing

[balantz]

97. Believe it or not

we are ALL part of the same family. They are playing out the evils we all must answer to. I'm thankful that I can see that, keep my heart in Peace, and focus my energy on helping to expose and transcend our ignorance.

[Me.]

98. Yes. We Are All Connected

Welcome

[balantz]

102. Thanks for the welcome.

:hippie:

[Dulcinea]

99. My husband, my 2 healthy girls, my friends...

And my (mostly good) health.

[Me.]

100. For You & All Those Who Are Thankful For Family

The Rose Family
Poem lyrics of The Rose Family by Robert Frost.

The rose is a rose,
And was always a rose.
But now the theory goes
That the apple's a rose,
And the pear is, and so's
The plum, I suppose.
The dear only knows
What will next prove a rose.
You, of course, are a rose
But were always a rose.

[FreeState]

101. My Partner, my Dog and Ice Cream :) N/T

[Me.]

107. As You're Thankful

I'm thinking we're not talking Rocky Road here

[FreeState]

111. ANy flavor actually - never met an ice cream I don't like LOL N/T

[MoonRiver]

103. My spouse, children, and all kind and loving creatures, great and small,

human and otherwise, that inhabit this fragile planet with me.
:grouphug:

[Me.]

110. Hymns For Little Children - Verse 1

1. All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

[MoonRiver]

112. I love that verse!

O8)

[MissB]

104. Today, my children.

I found out this afternoon that my nephew lost his baby last night. My kids will be coming home soon and I intend to let them know just how thankful I am for them.

[Me.]

109. 'Where Did You Come From, Baby Dear?'

~George MacDonald


Where did you come from, baby dear?
Out of the everywhere into here.

Where did you get your eyes so blue?
Out of the sky as I came through.

What makes the light in them sparkle and spin?
Some of the starry spikes left in.

Where did you get that little tear?
I found it waiting when I got here.

What makes your forehead so smooth and high?
A soft hand stroked it as I went by.

What makes your cheek like a warm white rose?
I saw something better than anyone knows.

Whence that three-cornered smile of bliss?
Three angels gave me at once a kiss.

Where did you get this pearly ear?
God spoke, and it came out to hear.

Where did you get those arms and hands?
Love made itself into hooks and bands.

Feet, whence did you come, you darling things?
From the same box as the cherubs' wings.

How did they all just come to be you?
God thought about me, and so I grew.

But how did you come to us, you dear?
God thought about you, and so I am here.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

105. The capacity to value others and the blessing of being valued. eom

[Me.]

108. Journey On

Robert Frost (1874–1963)

The Road Not Taken


TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same, 10

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back. 15

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

[autorank]

113. "Me" & the ability to say and read what I want. I'm also thankful for

surprises.

[Me.]

114. Goo Goo G'joob.

'I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together'

PEACE