The last 20 months have been exceedingly difficult for most Americans.
A-cross the country there have been coronavirus mandates, riots, increasing taxes, job losses and more. The crime rate in many areas is skyrocketing.
Many stores have empty shelves. And mental health problems are out of control.
The stress we feel is exacerbated by television news and social media.
But rather than dwell on the negatives we are bombarded with daily, take this week to focus on the positives. Remember, this Thanksgiving, as with those before, we here in Eastern Washington have a lot to be thankful for.
From the Tri-Cities north to the Okanogan, and from the Cascade crest to the Idaho border, we have a lifestyle here that is unparalleled around much of the world.
So, turn off the TV and hide the cellphone. Forget state and national politics. Plan a minimum 48-hour break from social media. And take note of the things for which you can give thanks.
I’m not talking about a day or two off work, or even the delicious turkey that awaits. I’m talking about what’s really important – family, friends, community.
Thanksgiving is a time to share, a time to reflect. That’s something lost on most youth, and all too often, on adults.
Growing up, I looked forward to Thanksgiving for the wrong reasons. It was a break from school and a time when I could eat as much as I wanted (well, almost, I was on the wrestling team). I could sit around and watch football and nobody would complain.
We would get up and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later that night, we’d watch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” In between, there was football and food – lots of it. The ensuing long weekend included hunting for a Christmas tree, decorating and getting ready for winter.
Like many young folks, I overlooked the importance of the rare time we were able to spend together. I overlooked the traditions we created and shared.
That time, those traditions are more important now than ever.
This Thanksgiving, I’m looking forward to spending the holiday surrounded by family at my sister’s farm. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the babies and toddlers that have joined our family the last couple years. And I’m looking forward to listening to family lore.
I can already smell the turkey baking and hear the Charlie Brown music. I can already see dishes being passed and certain family members nodding off after a heavy meal. And I can’t wait to hear about all the things for which we remain thankful.
The time with family won’t be lost on me this year. And I hope that it won’t be lost on you and your family, either.
Here’s to hoping you have the time to reconnect, remember and give thanks for all that’s important in your life.
Happy Thanksgiving.
— Roger Harnack is the publisher of Free Press Publishing. Email him at [email protected].
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, columnist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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