I was asked if I would write letter telling the readers what I am thankful for. Well, where do I start?
I would have to say waking up every morning, always a good start. Thankful for the ability to give thanks to the Creator and Mother Earth every day. Then the obvious — my family, my wife, Jackie, of 38 years, and our two sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and their families, which include four granddaughters.
I am thankful for my extended family, Jackie’s extended family, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. When you don’t get to see them as often as you would like, you appreciate the time together even more.
Thankful for those who you consider your true friends and never taking those relationships for granted. When you think about it, you can go through life and count your true friends on one hand — if lucky, two hands. The rest are just acquaintances.
I am thankful for the community I live in. I have been blessed with the house we have and I have lived in for the past 66 years. Thankful for Stockbridge-Munsee community I’ve been employed by for the past 45 years. I’ve been elected to three different units of government — Tribal Council, Bowler School Board and now Shawano County Board of Supervisors. This is an honor and a responsibility that I never take for granted.
Lastly, being somewhat of an outdoorsman, thankful for the four seasons we enjoy; the good thing about them is you appreciate the next seasonal transition all the more. Ice fishing, spring maple syrup season, summer fishing and camping, planting the wife’s garden, then the fall harvest and filling the freezer with venison.
May the Creator bless you all.
Joe Miller is a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee community.
