Thanksgiving is part of most of my days. Any show of basic human kindness in this increasingly materialistic and impersonal culture is appreciated and acknowledged by me. The simple holding of a door, as I enter a building, touches me. The genuine greeting of a clerk at a cash register merits my respect and appreciation, as a person who has worked with the public for many years. The unseen train operator, who sees me running for my train and leaves the doors open after the platform has cleared, gains my appreciation and respect. The stranger on a sidewalk, who deftly lets me pass or moves to one side to share the way as she approaches, deserves my smile and nod. The shopper in a crowded supermarket, who is careful to not block my way with his cart, is never taken for granted by me. The shop employee, who notices me squinting at an empty shelf and asks, "Can I help you?" with sincere interest, impresses me and gains my respect. The elderly person, who stops to let me pass and says with a winded smile, "You go ahead, I know I'm slow.", deeply humbles me with her acknowledged kindness.
Thanksgiving isn't a just holiday. Thanksgiving is an acquired, in-the-moment habit which makes the world a little better for everyone.
Finally, I have to publically thank the person who anonymously shared this Thanksgiving photograph on the Web. I have to say, I identify with the turkey.
