“Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.” — Native American saying
One day the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their way back home, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad.”
“Did you see how poor people live?” asked the father.
“Oh yes,”replied the son.
“So tell me what you learned from this trip?” the father asked.
The son answered, “I have one dog, and I saw they had many animals. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden, and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden, and they have stars at night.”
The boy continued, “Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they have a whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on, and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have hired help to serve us, but they do for themselves and also help others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us. They have neighbors and friends who look out for them.”
The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, “Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are.”
I like this story. It reminds me of just how rich I really am; not financially, but in so many other ways. Living in a community where people are kind and friendly is such a blessing. I am thankful for my church, my family and my friends. I am grateful when I feel tired and weary because it tells me there was meaning to my day. Serving as mayor is both humbling and gratifying, and I am thankful for the privilege.
While conversing with elected officials and staff, I asked them to share with you their thoughts about the significance of Thanksgiving.
City Clerk-Treasurer Karla Duchac said, “Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and friends remembering good times past. It is a time to be grateful and a time to help those less fortunate. It is a time to think of others instead of ourselves. It is a time to start life over and change the future. Why wait for the new year to begin again?”
Police Capt. Jeff Heffernon explained, “I am thankful for all those who serve others. Everyone who parents a child, serves their community or puts on the uniform of their country deserves our heartfelt ‘Thank You.’ I am also very thankful for my family and friends. It is great to have people in my life who help me continue to grow.”
Eddie Sheppard, our new assistant administrator/public works coordinator, said, “This year I am especially thankful to be back closer to family and friends and to have my fiancee, Amanda, here with me. This coming year we are looking forward to settling into our new home, a wedding in the fall and being able to share more time with those closest to us.”
Alderperson Rhonda Strebel commented, “I’ve always been a grateful person of all things big and small, even when things are crazy busy or troublesome. This is my favorite time of the year because we all talk about what we are grateful for and speak it out to others. I am thankful for family and friends, my little dog, Eddie, and the community in which I live and work. I feel blessed to live in Shawano and have so many incredible people in my life.”
Alderperson Bob Kurkiewicz and his wife, Carole, felt especially blessed by all those who expressed concern over recent health issues. Kurkiewicz said, “We particularly want to add our prayers to all those friends everywhere who are suffering. God’s blessings to all.”
Having the opportunity to live in an area many refer to as “God’s Country” provides all of us with a bounty of richness. The rivers, lakes, trees and abundance of wildlife are things we sometimes take for granted. This time of the year is a good time to say “thank you” for the beauty of the seasons, our surroundings and the richness of our lives.
The answer to last week’s question—What was the name of the children’s boutique located at 137 So. Main in 2001?—was “Twinkle Twinkle.”
This week’s question is: Who was president of Vertack Inc. in 1981?
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