Give Thanks For Good Health In Bad Times

Every Thanksgiving as is my custom, I search for reasons to be grateful.  I confess this year it has been a stretch.  Like many in my age group, the aches and pains are mounting up.  Body parts are wearing out faster than the marble steps leading up to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa.

Not unlike those steps, years of repetitive human action extracts a toll on our bodies.  What makes it disheartening  is the first 70 years of my life were virtually pain free.  No broken limbs.  No surgeries, save for a tonsillectomy.  Few visits to doctors and a handful of x-rays over those decades.

It is not as if I didn't prepare for the onset of lost youth.  I exercised my entire life, beginning with sports at an early age.  Until recently, I did 50 minutes of cardio training religiously, taking a few days off every month.  I lifted free weights and worked on my core to build balance and strength.

As I watched others fight the ravages of advancing years, my pride swelled.  That would never happen to me.  I did the right things to avoid the pitfalls of inevitable decline.  Good health was won through my hard work alone. That was enough to stave off the effects of too many birthdays.

In hindsight, my foolish pride was my undoing.  I should have been giving thanks daily for the precious gift of good health instead of pounding my chest in celebration of what I had done to become fit.  I have learned a humbling lesson: no one earns nor is owed absolute health.

When I reached seven decades, I endured my first surgery in 64 years to repair a torn rotator cuff.  My recovery progressed well and within months I resumed my active life.  At that point, I figured I was good until I was housed on the wrong side of the grass.  I remained invincible.

Then this year brought a cascade of physical ailments.  I noticed it was becoming painful to walk.  X-rays and an MRI indicated I required a hip replacement.  As the orthopedic specialist explained, "Your hip has just worn out."  Not the worse news, but a reminder of my vulnerability.

About the same time knee pain forced me to walk with a limp. Osteoarthritis is the culprit.  Injections offered little relief.  The ortho doctor just winced and said, "It probably is related to your hip. It will get better after surgery."  As comforting as that sounds, at that time surgery was five months away,

Pain morphed into a daily grind. Then a frequent neck and shoulder ache turned into a fiery torment.  Another MRI and another doctor.  Diagnosis: multiple degenerative discs in my neck and a pinched nerve.  Sleeping, sitting and pounding my computer keyboard became challenging.

What followed next was rounds of physical therapy and physiotherapy on my hip and neck.  My calendar was clogged, not with golf or outdoor activities, but with therapy, pain management consultants, doctors and more imaging appointments.  For a once active guy, it is distressing.

I am not auditioning for a pity party.  I could be undergoing much worse, a life-threatening disease for instance.  Many friends are dealing with far more pain and crippling infirmities.  I consider myself blessed to be able to carry on with my life, even if my issues have limited my mobility and stamina.

My regret is that I never fully appreciated my superb health that allowed a vigorous lifestyle. I was blessed then and still am.  Health setbacks are part of life at any age. No one escapes them if their earthly existence includes too many revolutions around the sun.  It is the universal truth.

Throughout my episodes,  I am learning new traits.  Patience; something lacking in my DNA.  Endurance; life's journey is no sprint but a marathon run over a pothole pitted course.  Humbleness; more awareness of others sufferings.  Appreciation; especially for health care personnel.

I even find more joy in life's tiniest moments.  A sympathetic pat on the back.  A furtive glance of caring.  An ear that patiently listens to my complaints.  A nod from a fellow patient who understands the tribulation.  A wife who bears the brunt of the mood swings triggered by bouts of pain.

My hip surgery is scheduled January 13th.  Instead of dreading it, I am buoyed by each approaching day.  Questions surround my neck issues.  However, I am trusting a solution will be found.  Whatever happens, I refuse to wallow in regret or allow uncertainty to rob me of the joy for each day of life. 

All my training has prepared my body for surgery and recovery.  Yet I take no credit for the years of good health.  If I have learned anything, it is that we do not have full authority over our bodies.  Without God, we can't even draw our next breath.  That thought makes me thankful and at peace.

In Times of Tumult, Be Thankful For Friends

Americans may be watching the news and scratching their heads, wondering why they should be giving thanks this holiday.  A murderous rampage at a place of worship in Texas.  Sexual scandals in Hollywood and everywhere.  A rogue regime threatening to unleash a nuclear holocaust.

The headlines are frightening, disheartening, unnerving.  It makes you wonder: What kind of a world do we live in?  The answer is this planet is inhabited by flawed people.  Some with more serious demons than others.  In times of chaos like these, our outlook turns bleak and our souls are shaken. 

In the midst of tumult, there is no better antidote than a good friend.  Or, if you are blessed, a whole bunch of friends.  They can be a spouse, a sibling, a new or old neighbor, a co-worker or a former classmate.  Friends are out ultimate support system.  Our cure for depression.  Our candle of hope.

Friends comfort us when we need to be uplifted. They are there with an encouraging word, a kind jesture or a soft pat on the shoulder.  Friends are present even when we don't realize we need them.  That's why there is no greater treasure in life than a friend.

When we confront tough decisions, it is consoling to have a friend to consult.  They listen patiently even as we prattle on with a long-winded explanation of the choices we face.  Friends nod and remind us that we have make difficult judgements in the past. We'll rise above this trauma too.

When we are in a medical crisis, friends visit us in the hospital or after surgery.  They hug us and make us feel cared for.  Friends don't leave us to brave the unknown by ourselves.  They hold our hands, look into our sad eyes and lend a sympathetic ear to our complaints about pain and suffering.

Friends are there when we lose a loved one to death.  They stand by our side, prop us up emotionally and share our grief at the funeral.  They may be lost for words but they never leave us to handle the sorrow alone.  Even when we have exhausted every emotion, friends help us rediscover strength.

When we are in need, friends answer the call.  It could be the use of a car because our clunker is at the dealership.  Or a picking up a restaurant tab because we have forgotten our credit card at home.  Or taking our kids trick-or-treating because we are out of town on business.

In dire circumstance, friends soar to the occasion.  Our home is lost in a flood or a rampaging fire.  Friends open their homes and hearts to us.  They take us in and treat us as family.  They expect nothing in return for their generosity.  Friends desire only our continued friendship.

Friends accompany us on our faith journey.  They encourage us when even when we behave badly or fall short of expectations.  They never judge.  They never rebuke.  They never say "I told you so."  They are there to remind us that God loves us even in our weakness.  Our walk resumes in earnest.

Friends often know us better than anyone else.  They have seen us in the best of times and the worst. They understand our flaws, our imperfections and our peccadillos.  Despite that, friends love us for the person we are, not the version we are striving to become.  They prize the good we fail to see.

Friends keep our secrets, even the ones we fear most of being exposed.  We can share anything with friends knowing the information will be held in confidence. They are discrete even when others cajole them for details about what's bugging us.  Friends draw closer when we share inner thoughts.

Perhaps, what friends do best is keep us grounded.  When our egos are inflated or our pride engulfs us, friends know just what to say to bring us floating back to Earth.  It may be a joke, a subtle jab or just a gentle comment, but it restores our humility.  And we are grateful for their chiding. 

This Thanksgiving, take time to be grateful for your friends.  Remember new and old friends. Recall the forgotten ones.  Make a new friend. Friends are the better part of our lives.  We should cherish every friend.  Not just during this holiday but every day of the year.

Grandchildren: Giving Thanks For the Little Ones

When Thanksgiving arrives each season, it is a reminder there are few treasures in life to be cherished more than grandchildren. They tug at our crusty hearts, induce wrinkled smiles and love us even if we are creaky, old-fashioned and smell funny.

Nothing in life compares to the squeal of a grandchild.  That sound of utter joy when you waddle into their room or shower them with a gift or repeat the same story you have told one hundred times before. A grandchild has the power to uplift those of us battling the indignities of age.

Grandchildren are truth tellers.  Don't ask them a question unless you want an honest answer. They are incapable of political correctness. What tumbles out of the mouths of these babes is authentic, unfiltered. Unlike adults, they are uncomplicated and sincere.

These little ones know you love them, but not just because of your expressions of affection for them. Grandchildren have a sixth sense about grandparents.  Somewhere in their DNA there is a gene that triggers an emotional connection with grandparents.

Grand kids make you feel special every time you are in their company. Sure, they enjoy the presents you tote to their house, but grandchildren are comforted by your mere presence.  They show their gratitude by hugging your leg, clambering up into your lap or squeezing your neck.

When they kiss and hug you, all of the world's troubles evaporate. They are affectionate by nature and nothing delights them more than receiving your approval.  When you least expect it, they blurt out, "I love you."  The sound of those three words is like a heavenly angelic chorus.

Grandchildren offer the best gifts.  A hand-scrawled drawing from a grandchild is worth more than a Picasso or a Van Gough.  Refrigerators were created to hold these priceless paintings made by tiny hands.  A barely legible signature at the bottom of the artwork creates a lasting memory.

Grand kids innately understand when their grandparents could use a boost.  They pluck a flower from a park and hand it to you with a grin. "This is for you because you are my grandma," a grandchild giggles. What can you do but laugh and feel grateful for the experience of this small gesture?

When a toddler places his palm in your hand, there is a tenderness that is difficult to explain to those who have never felt the touch of a grandchild. In that moment, memories of your own children rush into your consciousness, kindling a longing for those days when they were under your roof.

There is something astonishing about holding your grandchild in your arms.  It feels like only yesterday you clutched your children in the same way.  How did those times fade so quickly? Grand kids allow you to close your eyes and dream about the way it was with your own children.

Having a grandchild spend a day or a week at your house tops any expensive vacation.  It's your time alone without snoopy parents around to issue rebukes about indulging your grand kids' appetite for ice cream. When they leave, you count down the days until their next visit.

Every grandchild is born with an instruction manual telling each one how to manipulate grandparents. A pouty plea or a wistful wish from a grand kid is impossible to resist. They know it, you know it, but neither of you cares.

Reading to grandchildren is a pleasure without equal.  They fidget, tilt their little heads, lean into you for warmth and mouth the words along with you.  It is hard to concentrate on the text as you watch their eyelids flutter with the approach of sleep.

Best of all you can see the future by looking into the eyes of a grandchild.  Their destiny is filled with light, love and high expectations.  You may be experiencing your final revolution around the sun, but your grandchild has a whole life to live.  It makes your future less scary.

Be thankful for your grand kids.  They are God's gift to a world that could use more of their unique brand of unconditional love.

Be Thankful For Four Things Americans Agree On

In an era when the media paints America as a hopelessly divided nation, there are a number of social and cultural issues where there is near unanimous agreement.  As it turns out, these areas where Americans find consensus are the things that unite us as one nation.

Therefore, if you are searching for something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, here are at least four reasons to feel better about these United States:

(Editor's Note:  All the statistics used in this column were gleaned from Pew Research polling reports from 2007 through 2014.)

America is a highly religious nation:  Ninety percent of the people profess they believe in God. Eight in ten claim they never doubt God's existence.  A surprising 76 percent say prayer is an important part of their daily life.  Large percentages of Americans agree about many religious beliefs and behaviors.  That is not to suggest that faith is not under attack in America.  Courts have forced crosses to be torn down in public places, mandated the removal of the Ten Commandments from buildings and banned the use of prayer in certain venues. Despite this legal aggression supported by a secular media, Americans have refused to give up their practice of religion or to reject God.  In times of crisis, such as when the country was ruthlessly attacked on September 11th, Americans found shelter in their churches with fellow worshipers.  They steadfastly cling to the old-fashioned notion that God watches over their country.  It is comforting to live in a country of believers, even if our religious practices may differ.  What is important is that God maintains a prominent place in American life.

Americans are proud of their military.  More than eight in 10 Americans have a favorable opinion of the armed forces.  In large numbers (78%), Americans believe that the members of the military contribute "a lot" to society's well being.  In fact, in a survey of 10 occupational groups, American service members come out on top, beating clergy, medical doctors, teachers and scientists, to name a few. Interestingly, the occupational group that has suffered the biggest decline in prestige since the surveys began in 2009 is journalists.  No surprise there.  By contrast, Americans of every political stripe have always held high opinions of the military.  That should not be taken for granted because in many countries the military are often viewed disparagingly.  Because Americans support their service men and women, the military has always been a force to unite the country.  There is nothing as stirring as watching average Americans applaud as service members board a plane, or stroll through an airport or pass in review.

Americans are patriotic.  Popular culture would suggest patriotism is a quaint idea that no longer matters.  However, for more than 20 years, surveys have found an overwhelming number of Americans consider themselves patriotic.  The figure has held steady at 90 percent since 1987.  Sixty-two percent of Americans display the flag at their homes, in their office or on their car.  This brand of American patriotism is not only responsible for the largest volunteer military in the country's history, but it motivates ordinary citizens in ways that are often overlooked.  Pride in country leads to extending a helping hand to neighbors, showing up at the polls, volunteering to clean up a river, standing up for good government and supporting the building of more schools.  In countries where patriotism lags, people tend to be more invested in their day-to-day survival with little time or incentive to do something for the good of others.  That's why patriotism matters.

Americans believe hard works pays off.   Among all nations, the United States stands out as the country where most people believe the key to getting ahead in life is hard work.  Almost eight in ten (73%) Americans, are convinced hard work leads to a better future. Perhaps, you think this is true of all people around the world.  Not so.  In Greece, only 21 per cent of the citizens think hard work benefits people.  No wonder Greece is bankrupt and unemployment stands in double-digits.  And other Europeans share the Greeks' sentiment. Italians and French also pooh-pooh the idea of hard work.  They believe that knowing the right people is crucial to getting ahead in life.  The work ethic of the American worker is legendary.  Coupled with American ingenuity, it is the reason Americans are more productive, more efficient and more motivated.  As a result, American workers enjoy a higher standard of living than their counterparts in other countries.

This Thanksgiving celebrate the things that make America unique. They are the glue that binds us together through good times and bad. May we always live in a nation that honors God, supports its military, takes pride in country and works hard to forge a better future.

Five Reasons To Be Thankful You Live In the United States

America's first Thanksgiving was celebrated 392 years ago near Massachusetts Bay. The festival, organized in 1621 by colonial Governor William Bradford, honored the successful harvest of the corn crop by the Pilgrims.  The invitation list included the colony's Native American allies.

The historic banquet's menu remains lost in the mists of time, but at least one chronicler reports meat dishes included fowl and deer, but not likely turkey.  Historians also doubt pumpkin pie was served at the first feast because of a lack of sugar.

That is a far cry from the the sumptuous spreads that will be enjoyed in dining rooms across America this week. But one truth remains the same.  Americans, then and now, have many reasons to be grateful for their country.

Here are just five reasons to be thankful you live in the United States of America today:

1.  The U.S. is still the country where most people want to live.  A recent survey conducted by Gallup found that 150 million people would like to leave their country and immigrate to the U.S.  Four times as many people surveyed chose the U.S. over the second ranked nation, the United Kingdom. American continually ranks number one in the annual poll.  There are 40 million immigrants living in the country and this figure does not include those here illegally.

2.  Americans are the most generous people in the world.  Individuals doled out $217.79 billion dollars to charities last year, according to Internal Revenue Service data published by The Urban Institute.  These numbers do not include the billions given by two-thirds of tax filers who do not itemize their deductions.  Donations by individuals have risen 38 percent since 2009, despite the recession.

3.  Americans are the most inventive people in the world.  There were 253,155 new patents issued for inventions in the United States in 2012, the highest annual number on record.  It represents a 13 percent increase over the previous year.  Seventeen U.S.-based firms rank in the top 50 worldwide companies issued patents and IBM was the business leader in 2012, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

4. The U.S. offers more opportunities for people to start their own business.  There are 23 million small businesses in the country, which provide 55 percent of all the available jobs, according to the Brookings Institute.  Small  firms, those with one to 49 employees, make up nearly 90 percent of all businesses in the U.S.  The number of small businesses has increased 49 percent since 1982, far outpacing growth in large firms.

5.  The U.S. spends more per capita on health care than any other nation. The World Health Organization estimates the the country spends $7,960 per person on health care, the highest figure in the world.  As a percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), health care spending represents 17.6 percent of expenditures, earning the U.S. the top spot on that measure.  The U.S. also has some of the world's best health care facilities, including two of the top three cancer treatment centers in the world, according to Healthcare Global.

Those of us blessed to call the United States of America home have many more reasons to feel indebted to our country.  The list is almost endless.  But the best reason of all is that we live in a free country. Let us take time today to thank God for his divine guidance and continuing protection for these United States.