A Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone

colleagues family friends gratitude nov 2019 sandy fowler thankfulness thanksgiving Nov 22, 2019

"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way." (Native American Saying)

When you ask U.S. Americans and Canadians what their favorite holiday is, many say “Thanksgiving!”  Understandably it can be a day for some people of good food and warm company, for some it brings nice weather, colorful autumn leaves and exciting football. It is often a day when people join their families by birth or choice to celebrate the holiday. For some, it is a day of giving to the less fortunate, working in a place that serves food to those who otherwise don’t have a Thanksgiving dinner or donating time at a Senior Center or a place where people so appreciate a visitor.

Thanksgiving also ushers in the holiday season that can take over our lives. For those who have a busy work schedule it can be a time of trying to wedge holiday preparations into whatever free time their work allows. For others, it is a time to take stock of what is important. Someone said that not expressing your gratitude is like wrapping a present but not giving it. So throughout the holidays is a very good time to consider telling people how thankful you are that they are in your life. 

Living in Southern California as I do, Thanksgiving is usually a warm, sunny day that I like to spend working in my garden. I am reminded of the Marcel Proust saying: “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” My work with SIETAR USA brings me into contact with so many charming gardeners—I want to give my thanks to all of you who make me happy whether in person at the conference, serving on the Board or committees, or virtually by email. We are all in this life together and I am so grateful that SIETAR USA gives us a professional home where as colleagues we can share our insights and caring for each other.

Sandra M. Fowler