By MATTHEW NASH
Many people are spending this cold November morning standing in line for hours to get that great low price on that flat screen TV, DVD player or the latest gaming system. I personally have never had any desire to spend “Black Friday” anywhere except at home in bed sleeping off that turkey high. This year I will be taking time to reflect on the things that I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my good health. While I probably could stand to live a little healthier, which I am working on, I am in pretty good health. I usually get a cold or the flu during the year at least once but after a few days that passes. I am one of those guys that hates to go to see the doctor. In the next few months I will probably get a full physical to make sure that everything is still running smoothly. I am sure that they’ll say that my cholesterol is too high, I could stand to lose some weight, and my blood pressure is a little elevated. I will take their comments under advisement and try a little harder; of course I haven’t had to use a sick day in seven years.
I am thankful that I have a job. Many Americans are entering the holidays with an uncertainty because of their employment status. Although I have worked the last few Thanksgivings and six out of seven Christmas days I am still glad that I have a job. I am not always real excited about going to work and there are times that I wish I didn’t have to. I imagine winning the Powerball and the things I would do with the proceeds and how quickly I could quit work. Until that time I will still keep on trudging along. It is not so bad and I get to meet a lot of colorful people, also every two weeks there is a little something extra in my bank account.
I am also thankful for my part-time job. Writing this column has been a stimulating, new experience. I have learned many interesting things and I have enjoyed every minute. I have tried to do my best to entertain and inform. Sometimes it is difficult thinking of something to say but so far it has always worked out. I hope that I can continue doing it for a long time.
I am thankful that I have a roof over my head. With so many people out of work there are more and more people that have no place to go. I see a few of them at my work almost every day. I can’t imagine what it would be like to spend even one night out in the cold and with winter quickly approaching the idea becomes inconceivable
I am thankful for my girlfriend. Over the last several months “Amy” and I have made some life choices that have solidified our commitment to each other. We continue each day to grow as a couple and hopefully that will continue throughout the coming years.
I am thankful for my family. My parents and my siblings are stretched from Lafayette, Indiana to Las Vegas, Nevada, all the way back to home base here in New Albany. You will never find a more interesting, opinionated, and eclectic group of siblings. Sometimes it is hard for us to all get together around the holidays hopefully this year we can. Along with my parents all the spouses and the sixteen (at last count) grandchildren it is fun times for everyone whenever we have an opportunity to get together.
Finally I am thankful for my children. They are the light of my world and every day is a new experience with them. Each of my children is unique and extraordinary in their own way and I wouldn’t trade any of them in, even for a winning Powerball ticket. Yes it is true that sometimes they argue and eventually I will get a headache, but that is why Walgreen’s sells Ibuprofen.
Many people will spend the next several weeks decorating, shopping, traveling and trying to get the most out of this holiday season. Why not take a few moments to remember what is most important to you and give thanks for what you cherish most.
Matthew Nash hopes that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. He can be reached at dmatthew
nash@gmail.com
