Why I Give Thanks

When I was first asked to write about what I am thankful for, I will admit that it was difficult to choose one specific thing. Many people who know me will acknowledge the fact that I tend to be a sentimentalist. I, however, believe that it is my love and passion for history and the arts that has affected this. With that said, this season I am most thankful for the people and community in my life that have and continue to make a difference in my life.

Firstly, I am thankful for my loving and supportive family of the present, as well as my family members of the past for their acts of bravery and tenacity. I have always been interested in my heritage and feel that we can learn a lot from our ancestors, which in a way shapes our lives.

Doing genealogy research is one of my favorite things to do and my fellow volunteers at the Shawano County Historical Society can attest to that fact. There is something about someone’s life story that I find fascinating. One thing many of us share is the fact that many of our ancestors were immigrants. I often wonder if I would have the courage and perseverance it required to leave my home and travel to a new country. Would I be able to abandon the place where my family had perhaps lived for hundreds of years, with nothing more than a trunk or suitcase filled with my possessions?

My great-great-grandmother, Amelia Simatic, usually comes to mind when I think of this situation. Imagine being 36 years old with eight kids in tow, unable to speak or read English, navigating your journey via train and boat before reaching the shores of the United States.

All I can say is that the sight of the Statue of Liberty must have been an awe-inspiring experience for them and all immigrants who traveled through Ellis Island. Although they had left their homelands behind, many were quick to embrace the ideals and freedoms of their new homeland. Many of these freedoms, which were absent or had been taken away in their native country. One of the biggest reasons many immigrated.

Secondly, I am thankful for my friends, including my second “family” at the Shawano County Historical Society. Whether it is a night out at the wine bar or a quick walk across the street to the Daily Drip, we are always there for each other. We know that we can always count on each other to boost our mood after a rough day at work or stop each from making a poor fashion choice, or in some cases enable bad shopping/spending habits. Just kidding. Although I’m not a big conversationalist, one thing my friends will tell you is that I am a great listener.

My fellow volunteers at the historical society without doubt deserve so much thanks. I believe that preserving and learning about our history is so important to our society. Although we are a small group, my fellow volunteers and I are constantly maintaining and sharing the history of Shawano County with the community. We all share a passion for history and the past. It is truly wonderful to have such a great group of people to connect with.

Lastly, I am thankful for the community around me. Although I don’t live in Shawano, I consider it my home, as I spend the majority of my time here. Shawano has always been a burgeoning community, steadily growing within the last few years. There are many wonderful and generous people in the community that I have met over the years volunteering at the historical society and working at the Register of Deeds.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have always felt a part of the Shawano community. It’s always amazing how a welcoming connection with a stranger can influence your day. I love listening to people, especially people from the older generations, tell stories about growing up here or about Shawano of the past.

As hectic as life can sometimes get, the Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to take a pause from our busy lives and contemplate on what we are thankful for and who/what may have shaped our lives. I also strongly encourage you to sit down with your family this holiday season and have conversations about your heritage. You may learn something you never knew before and perhaps it may make you think how it has impacted who you are today.

I would like to wish everyone a wonderful, happy, and loving holiday and hope that you get to spend it with your family and friends, whoever they may be.

Jesse Borlen is the president of the Shawano County Historical Society and works at the Shawano County Register of Deeds. He also sits on the board for the Clintonville Historical Society.