Happy Thanksgiving

This week many of us will gather with family and friends to celebrate a truly unique American holiday, Thanksgiving. But did you ever look carefully at the name of this holiday, Thanksgiving, yes, two words, Thanks and Giving.

In the first year nearly half of the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth were dead. They arrived with good spirits, but no survival skills. The Native Americans taught them to plant corn, fish, hunt for beaver and to construct shelter.

By the next year, the Pilgrims had produced a harvest and had enough grain to last through the winter. The time had come to celebrate the harvest.

With shelter and food and a foothold in the future United States, the Pilgrims and members of the Pokanoket tribe who had aided the newcomers came together to express their thanks and to give their part to the meal that would come to be known as Thanksgiving.

Thanks and giving, both so important to keep the spirit alive.

Thanks for another year regardless of the things that have happened, we are here and thankful. Give without regard to anything in return, best to give with your eyes closed and your heart open.

Happy Thanks Giving to all!