Happy Thanksgiving To My Friends And Family

Today, I want to say Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and family. I understand we won’t discuss religion or politics this season as we enjoy the turkey dinner together. Sadly, people are so different in their thoughts about what is happening in our country and the world. But I hope we can step back and keep this holiday joyous.

Years ago, I don’t think I ever knew what religion someone belonged to or who they voted for. I didn’t know if they were Republican, Democrat, or Independent. We didn’t talk about it because it was a private matter. When a family member has to suggest we not talk politics or religion, I get it these days. But I think it’s sad we can’t speak freely and be kind to one another. Life has changed so much in my 74 years.

Happy Thanksgiving To My Friends And Family

I want to thank you, my faithful blog followers, since 2012. Mark and I lived in Southern Utah, and I wanted to teach my neighborhood how to be prepared for the unexpected. We lived in an HOA, and the HOA president wouldn’t give me a list of the homeowners’ names and addresses for privacy reasons. I get it, so I asked how people would get to know one another in case of a disaster. He couldn’t give me a reasonable answer. It was frustrating since I just wanted to help those in my subdivision with some guidance in becoming better prepared.

I Retired Sort Of…

I had just retired from owning my mortgage company for 15 years and needed a purpose. So, I delivered flyers, made a sign that was left from my real estate days, and put Food Storage Moms on both sides. I invited whoever wanted to come to free weekly seminars. It was every Wednesday night from 5:30 to 6:30 on the dot. The first week, I had one or two attend, then three to four the next week, and it kept growing.

I started with a binder for people to put their important documents in. They could bring their own binder, or I had some with all the inserts available at cost. I started with this binder because I had clients (before I retired) who had no idea where they had their birth certificates, church documents, school documents, car titles, etc.

Free Emergency Binder Contents

EMERGENCY BINDER INSERTS READY TO PRINT

Then I saw people needed help, so I started a blog, as you know. I bought the domain and paid to have a website set up, and it was a whirlwind. I had to sign up for Facebook, Twitter (Now X), Pinterest, and Instagram so no one would take my blog name for their own use. Six months after I set up my blog, I got an email from someone at the New York Times wanting to discuss the purpose of my blog and the daily posts. WHAT? Oh my gosh, I’m just a gray-haired lady in Southern Utah. They interviewed me, and I was shaking the whole time. It was published, and I was honored to be asked why food storage was important to me.

Then, I got an email to write a book about food storage and emergency preparedness. I was honored, and it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I told them I’m not a writer, and they (Pagestreet Publishing) said they didn’t need a writer, they needed an expert. Okay, I was in. Now, if someone saw a book about food storage and emergency preparedness with a Cupcake cookbook next to it, they would choose the cupcake book. LOL! Just being real here.

Ted Koppel Book

Ted Koppel was writing his book “Lights Out” at the same time. I was interviewed and recorded about what I would do if the power grid went down. My opinion was not in the book, but it was a great experience. “Lights Out.”

Please don’t think I am bragging; I’m not, but some of you may not know how I got to where I am today. I’m still a great-grandma, a grandma, a mother, an aunt, a sister, and a friend.

A Special Time of Year

I’ve been doing a lot of introspection over the past few months. I’ve realized how I took my good health for granted and have gained an appreciation for the many blessings our family has enjoyed over the years. Mark and I had a small celebration back in July as we marked 55 years of marriage and realized not many couples reach that milestone.

This past year saw me having to go on oxygen 24/7, something I never expected since I’ve never smoked or done other things that would possibly damage my lungs or other organs. I now try to recognize the harvest of blessings we as a couple have enjoyed and to show more gratitude for the abundance we’ve experienced together and as a family.

My four daughters and their extended families bring us so much joy and laughter. Memories of the wonderful things we’ve done together as the kids grew up bring warmth to my heart. We can truly say the joy of a happy family supersedes anything else we can experience. Sure, there have been tough times, but the good things of life overshadow the challenges. I find strength in the blessing of hope for the future and know that the coming year will be full of additional special times. No matter what your religious background might be, the gift of faith is something I hope you can appreciate and apply in your life every day.

Happy Thanksgiving Wishes

Mark got a phone call today from a friend he says he’s known from a very young age. The two have stayed in closer touch for the past 20 years and cherish their shared friendship through conversations and less frequent golf outings. His friend called to check-in and wish us the best during this holiday season.

There truly is a wonder of the holiday season as we pass on Thanksgiving messages to colleagues, coworkers, your boss, extended family, and special friends. Yes, we can send out a greeting card, but that one-on-one phone call can’t be beat! We often rely on Social Media as a way to communicate our ideas, feelings, and expressions of love. But that sound on the other end of the phone sure beats a text message. I’ve thought of myself as an optimist most of my life, but what I see on social media often tends to drag us down. I’ve signed off on some social media contact and hope to do more.

I want to extend a sincere Thanksgiving Day THANK YOU to my faithful readers! I’ve made so many new friends, people I feel like I’ve known my whole life, yet most I’ve never met. Thanksgiving greetings in this post don’t do justice to the deep heartfelt messages and good wishes I want to express to all of you. I hope as you eat that turkey and stuffing, special casserole, and delicious pie, that you’ll express your deep love for those around you. Persistence in staying close to family and friends is critical to lasting joy in this life and can’t be taken for granted!

Final Word

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. Please make every second count, we may not be here tomorrow. I’m asking you to pray for our country and the world. I hope and pray that world leaders can get together and make for a brighter future for us all. In the meantime, let’s do what we can to be prepared. May God Bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Thanksgiving Table AdobeStock_228588258 By Fahrwasser