Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness. It’s a time of reflection. It’s a time of appreciation. Every year before I sit down to pen this piece, I think back to all that has occurred in the previous 10 months. I also refer back to what I once wrote years before. This time, I didn’t have to go back far. I froze on my 2019 piece. I wanted to recirculate it, with an updated intro, because it captured my sense of spirit and optimism, with a whole lot of reality checks. I hope you find it valuable. There’s so much that I’m thankful for.
As the year 2021 approaches an end, this new decade started out in descent.
Fortunately, recovery has been swift in many ways. But more healing is needed. Unfortunately, patience runs thin.
The world is a complex place. Life on Earth is seldom easy. There’s a lot of anger and fighting abound. But there’s so much good that’s pleasing.
There’s so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we need to just slow down and appreciate what we have. So quickly it can be taken away.
I’m thankful to be an American
It’s the land that we love
Our union is far from perfect
But it’s the admission and pursuit that will always keep us above
I’m thankful for “We the People”
It’s the very first line
Every day we strive for a more Perfect Union
Achieving it takes time
I’m thankful for our Forefathers
George Washington set the tone
Lincoln addressed it at Gettysburg
Their impact is carved in stone
I’m thankful for our soldiers
Their commitment and sacrifice keeps us safe
From the Afghan sand to Omaha Beach and way back to the shores of Tripoli
They fight for those words, “O say can you see…”
I’m thankful for our innovators
Risk takers who struggled but won
Names like Franklin, Edison, Einstein and Jobs
These minds were second to none
I’m thankful for my family
They keep me on my toes
They sure put pressure on my wallet
Can’t wait ’til that trend slows
I’m thankful for first responders
I’m thankful for a table with food
I’m thankful for the roof overhead
I’m thankful rain’s finally in the forecast, that’s good
Most of all,
I’m thankful for YOU!
Some have been with us for decades. Others have joined along the way. We have been through a lot in this journey together. We’ve faced both challenges and celebrations. More ahead is guaranteed. Our firm is far from perfect. But day in and day out, we strive to be the best we can, and it’s always with you in mind. We’re thinkers. We’re planners. We’re doers. That will never change.
Without YOU, there’s no US. I am so very thankful for YOU.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Bedell Frazier.
Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday. We will be back, dark and early on Monday.
Mike
