By King Hill

THANKSGIVING. The word conjures images of family and friends gathered around a bountiful feast of favorite foods, heads bowed in prayer giving thanks for the many blessings bestowed. That is a classical image. A good image. Other images that come to mind are photos of those ubiquitous doers of good deeds ladling out soup or hands wrapped in sanitary plastic gloves placing portions of wholesome goodness on plates they give to those cold, hungry and less fortunate in our community. That is also good. Yet I contend that every day is truly an opportunity to give thanks and participate in giving. Corny, I know. A simplistic sentiment that few can find fault with – yet it resonates with me.

This year, I turned 67 year old, and I mean old. Though I don’t act my age or embrace the expected dress of that age. I am. Many special friends passed away this year leaving an unexpected void with the loss of their vibrancy, personalities, quirks and charm. Their deaths erased their presence, their words, their smiles and left a longing and hazy memory. I too feel the everyday age- related aches and such, but It doesn’t discourage me as much as it makes me grateful. Yes, thankful for what I have experienced and what is yet to be experienced, I am thankful for opportunities, and challenges, and the spirit that the poet admonished to “not go gentle into that good night, but to rage rage, against the dying light.”

I am thankful daily for a great wife, a smart and loyal dog, loyal friends, and the ability and commissions I receive to write and create. And whether it’s theatrical productions, historical documentaries, facilitating the media with River Road ISD and arts groups, I am thankful. To me, every day is Thanksgiving. Many of my Native American friends have traditions of giving thanks as well. They greet the sun at first light with a simple thank you for the gift of light, warmth and another day. I share that reverence and recognition of the bounty it brings. The life force of creation is with us second by second, hour by hour, day by day, and does not require a special day set aside to acknowledge it, though it is fitting to do so to join with others in a communal joy and giving of thanks.

Sure. I like turkey and the rest, though truth be told I am just as happy alone or with my wife and close friends by the fire. I give thanks for that and all other blessings. My wife, proofreading these words, laughed saying “all the people who really know you, know your no nonsense, many times blunt John Wayne ‘suffer no fools’ attitude. They will never believe this side of you. This sounds like Hemingway meets Hallmark.” So be it. Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Be grateful. Be thankful, just do so everyday, turkey or not.