One Grateful Heart

In a few days, our country will pause and say, “Thanks, Lord”. There are so many things for which I am thankful to God. There is simply no end to the many people, circumstances, and experiences to which I have been privileged to be a part. Nevertheless, time, space, and attention spans compel brevity. There is a lady of a gentle, kind, and tender heart who’s to blame for my ability to take several trips by jumbo jets that I could not afford. Several years ago, during both a season of joy and of grief, she was there for me and my wife. I am thinking of her with much gratitude this thanksgiving season. Her name is Sherry. I am recalling a man who several years ago gifted me with a touch of his kindness and love. I shall never forget his eyes and spirit staring into mine, leaving me no doubt that he believed in me at a time when I was low. I was experiencing a dark place after surviving a storm of life on a raging sea. I’m thinking of one who became to me a beacon in the night. He’s a dear friend. His name is Ken. There is a dear lady who on several occasions heaped compliments and praises upon me that I did not deserve. She always made me feel so very special. She passed on 14 months ago and resides in heaven now. She was indeed a dear lady. Her name was Joelen. More than 25 years ago, I sought far and wide without success to secure a loan to purchase a home. Finally, an elderly gentleman stepped forward as an investor with the down payment. His action enabled my wife and me to become proud homeowners. He was a stranger who took a chance on us. We lost touch with him some time ago, but I’m thinking of him this Thanksgiving Season. His name is Gary. 11012016 cj PS