This annual rite of jotting down things to be thankful for in my life dates to November 1999. That was our first holiday spent on this farm (moving here in September of that year). We dined on a turkey, bought at a local farm swap (then butchered), accompanied by turnip greens from our first fall garden. That first list in my journal was like all those that have followed through the years; thankful for those in my life, for the life I lead, and the land in my care.
There is always so much to be concerned about in this world. And sometimes those flashes of lightning can overwhelm. Which is why I’ve always enjoyed the promise of Thanksgiving more than any other holiday. It is a chance to sit down and remind myself of the good in this life and world.
- I am thankful, again this year, for the good example of my father. Those are lessons that I am still unpacking and learning.
- For my young neighbor’s cattle that routinely escape onto our land. This instills in me the practice of forbearance, particularly as I recall other patient neighbors over the years who did the same with me and our herds.
- The countless number of men and women I was privileged to call co-workers and manage over the past 26 years. Although we can’t always control our destinies, we can act towards each other with courtesy and respect.
- The sound of our flock of Pomeranian geese. Their cacophonous honking when they catch sight of me makes me smile.
- For another farm turkey and all the fixings. And a table of friends to share the feast and fellowship.
- For my brothers and sisters.
- That my test strips of winter forage have been a success, pointing the way to regenerate some of our poor soils.
- That we are still two years away from our next national elections. Which gives us plenty of time to collectively practice saying in front of the mirror “I won’t lose my Sh#t! if my neighbor disagrees with me.”
- For providence, in whatever manifestation you choose to believe, which has favored our life on this land.
- And always for my partner in this life, who deigns to find me, on occasion, funny.
