Being Thankful Despite All The Craziness
Our country and our world seem to grow crazier and more stressful with each passing day.
From a virus which has caused all sorts of disruption and chaos in our lives to protests across the country which turned destructive and, in turn, did nothing productive to help the cause which inspired them.
The chaos we witnessed on television this past weekend in Atlanta and across the country was as disturbing as anything that has taken place in a long time.
Was it really only a few weeks ago that we were wondering who would emerge among a larger-than-large pack of Democratic candidates to challenge President Trump in November? That seems light years ago now.
One can only imagine how much crazier things are going to be this summer. It seems hoping for a return to normalcy is like wishing upon a star now. Despite everything we are dealing with there are still plenty of things to be thankful for. It’s easy to forget that at times. Perhaps now is the time to reflect and ponder.
On this June day I am thankful for:
•The first areas of blue sky which return after an extended rain.
•A peaceful afternoon nap which does not occur often enough.
•For the fact it looks like we will have football season for 2020 in some form anyway.
•For the high school parent who doesn’t think his or her son or daughter is the greatest athlete of all time.
•For campaign season which is my favorite season along with football of course.
•When I leave the dentist knowing I won’t have to return in a couple of weeks to have more work done.
•The time when the phone rings and there is someone on the other end who actually knows me rather than a telemarketer or scam of some kind.
•A text from a friend simply asking how you are doing.
•A movie made in 2020 that is not a remake of an old one.
•The old VH1 “Behind the Music” series which ended way too soon.
•When the power doesn’t go out during a violent thunderstorm or, worse, a winter snow storm.
•For the political candidate who remembers at least some of his or her campaign promises once in office.
•That a few of us still enjoy reading a newspaper the way it should be read: by turning the actual pages.
•For coaching characters like Mike Leach because it’s never a dull moment with him. What a treat we have now with him being in the SEC.
•The pothole in the road once it has been fixed.
•The nail that doesn’t find a home in my tire.
•That I still own a working VCR.
•A parent who takes the time to stop you and thank you for a kind word written about their child in the paper. Many times, simply mentioning their name means a great deal.
•Childhood friends who remain friends today although we have long ago left our childhood years behind.
•Re-runs of The Andy Griffith Show, Perry Mason and Matlock to name only a few.
•A good movie that actually provides suspense and a good scare or two. I remember years ago watching Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” with a friend who had never seen it. My friend didn’t know the story line and actually screamed out loud at the end. Now that’s good film making.
•And finally, the fact that one or two of you read these words each week. I thank you sincerely.
Chris Bridges has been a community newspaper journalist since 1988. He welcomes feedback about this column from readers of The Monticello News at pchrisbridges@gmail.com.