Friends, it鈥檚 time to offer my annual Thanksgiving holiday blog entry. The year 2024 has proven to be one not soon forgotten, especially for those of us who call the Tampa Bay area home. Between two historic hurricanes only 13 days apart and鈥攜et another鈥攃ontentious election season, the collective mood out there remains cloudy. A lot of people are tired. A lot of people are frustrated. A lot of people are angry. Still鈥鈥檓 hoping that most of us can count our blessings this Thanksgiving.
My family and I were among the fortunate who were spared from the worst of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We dealt with relatively minor inconveniences like power outages and yard clean-up. However, several people I know suffered significant losses鈥攖heir homes, businesses, vehicles, and other assorted valuables destroyed. They now deal with a 鈥渘ew鈥� normal. On top of damage assessments and insurance claims, they are having to plot a course to move forward. My heart goes out to them.
In the immediate aftermath of the storms our attention was diverted back to the November 5 election. The campaign rhetoric was deafening and nonstop. Sadly, we now seem to form our opinions of others based on their candidate, or issue, of choice. I know this. Regardless of political leanings, Americans have much more in common than not. Even with our many challenges, our nation is the greatest in the world. But it seems like we鈥檝e become more desensitized and forgotten how to relate to others with different perspectives.
There鈥檚 an opportunity here. It鈥檚 a time for us to come together and help the people in our communities. We can find channels to aid the victims of the hurricanes. We can lend an ear to those unhappy with the election results. Remember that charity goes beyond material assistance. Don鈥檛 underestimate the impact of a smile or a kind word. A little empathy can go a long way. Life鈥檚 greatest gift is our connections to each other. Our shared humanity must win the day.
I have a lot to be thankful for. It is my sincere hope that you can say the same. Sometimes it takes a force of nature to remind us that we frequently take our blessings for granted鈥攖he roof over our heads, the food in our refrigerators. Gather around your Thanksgiving table with a renewed sense of gratitude. Appreciate the people in your lives鈥攆amily, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and those whose vote differed than yours. Give thanks by giving the best you to others.