Jack of Harts

Today is Thanksgiving Day in America. We teach it was first celebrated between hungry Pilgrims looking for freedom from tyranny and helpful Indians giving them the food they needed to keep from starving. As with most things, truth is more complicated. But it is a good story, and closer to reality than fantasy. The modern Thanksgiving was initiated by President Lincoln in the middle of the Civil War. It seems like a strange time to be thankful for much, but there was method to that madness. And it has remained a yearly holiday ever since, the beginning of America’s Holiday Season.

I am thankful for many things. I am alive. My appendix exploded this year. The doctors at Saint Marys saved my life.

And then a car pulled out in front of me and I fell off my motorcycle, breaking five ribs. I was wearing full protective gear, and that saved either my life or my quality of life. And the other driver stopped. His insurance is not fighting it. I still hurt, but at least they are taking care of me financially. And I can heal. I am healing. I will heal.

I am thankful for the good tenants I have who pay rent and help me pay my mortgage. I am thankful for the family who is buying my house up north, so I can afford to pay my medical bills.

I am thankful for everyone who buys my books. You have no idea how much it means to me that you enjoy my stories. And the money is amazing. You have exceeded my every expectation on a stellar scale.

I am alive. I am financially solvent. I wake up each day happy to be alive. I go to work with a smile. I come home with a smile. I have a good life, in a nice city, in a nice State, in a nice country.

There is much for me to be thankful about.

My thanksgiving is real.

And so I wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you as well.