It is almost the day of thanks in America. Thanksgiving is one of many days when I really look for those things I am thankful for that I may not think about often. It is good to be thankful for health, wealth or sustenance and family though there is so much more to life than that.

In my life, I have a lot of coincidences. How these coincidences come about is another matter, and not my intent here. A most recent example is a book I was looking for that I purchased and read a few years ago. At the time the subject matter was a curiosity for me. Now a few years later life has worked itself around to where the book is worth a re-read for me. I could not find it. I checked my bookshelves, I checked the books that I had placed in a box, put away for some future time and date. The book was nowhere to be found.

I decided I had lent out the book, or it grew feet and walked out the door. I thought I would try the library for a copy when I found time. I came home from work one day last week and there was the book next to my computer desk chair. All I can think of is my two cats for whatever reason were playing or searching for something in the area and pushed it out from its hiding place while on their quest. I am grateful for coincidences.

I mentioned in a previous post(s), but I spent some time in the military over seas. One Holiday in particular stands out in my memory. It was cool damp winter night and I was in a gate shack, the lone one man team on a deserted stretch of flight line. Around the middle of my duty the food panel van arrives. I thought a nice hot turkey dinner was on its way. I could not quite identify what it was I ate, but it was not hot, barely warm, and tasted pretty bland. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself until that spring when I overheard some visiting Army guy talk about his cold canned rations that comprised his Easter dinner a week earlier while he sat in a wet hole that passed for a bunker. Listening to him improved whatever it was I ate that holiday night immensely. I am thankful for having the opportunity for hot meals whenever I am hungry.

When I left the military in the early nineties, I was viewed by some as little better than a pan handler who saw the light and became a responsible citizen.

These days many people taking time from their lives to thank returning soldiers for their sacrifices. I am thankful that todays soldiers are recognized for the sacrifices they make and have made so our life can continues in whatever manner we deem right for us. I am thankful for the reception veterans receive these days. I am thankful for their sacrifices too. Unless you have served and gone over seas, it is hard to understand the price our folks in the service pay why we go on with our lives.

I am thankful for those people who have lives filled with struggle and tragedy. They not only show me how to thrive and survive my own struggles, but also show me no matter how bad things are life could always be worse. Some people live their lives with emotional, physical, and other forms of debilitating problems and they learn how to succeed in spite of their handicaps. I am thankful for the depth and quality of their spirits to never give up.

Last, but not least, I am grateful for emergency services. The policemen, firemen, emergency room people, and utility workers. They venture where few mere mortals want to go. If ever I need their help, I am thankful in advance that they will do everything in their control to help me, not knowing anything about me, and not caring because I am a fellow human being. If ever I could feel empathy and passion as they do.

One last thought, if it were not for all the people who donate their time and energy, I would be writing this in a paper journal. I am thankful they have their passion. I am thankful you took the time to read this.