Monday is Thanksgiving, a day to appreciate the bountiful gifts that the harvest has provided for us. It is a statutory holiday in all of Canada, except the Atlantic provinces where it is observed as an optional holiday.
One would think with all the gifts from the sea that those folks would be exceptionally thankful.
While Thanksgiving has been observed every year since 1879, Thanksgiving in Canada has been observed on the second Monday in October since 1957.
As a celebration of the harvest and Canada being so far north, I understand the timing. I do understand the concept to take a special day, but folks, it just isn't enough. Every day I am truly thankful for being here in Prince George. We have so many gifts besides the harvest to appreciate.
Growing up in the U.S., Thanksgiving for me started the day with the Beverly High/Salem football game in the morning, followed by a huge turkey dinner. My mother was an amazing cook and her desserts were outstanding. Football has always been a part of "turkey day." Some traditions never change. I now even have Jo convinced that we must give thanks for football, especially Tom Brady.
I was very upset on Monday when I turned on the TV, the radio as well as the computer to find such sadness and despair. How can I write a column this week with such heartache and misery, be it Edmonton, Puerto Rico or Las Vegas? I sat back and thought. But Thanksgiving is on Monday and there is a lot to be thankful for and that is the topic of this column.
The harvest this year was exceptionally good. I found myself eating more veggies from the Farmer's Market. Considering the destruction caused by the wildfires, our farmers did a great job. Jo is going to be eating zucchini and carrots for a long time.
Traffic, or lack of any, is something that I am very thankful for. We can be anywhere in P.G. in 10 minutes. Being stuck in traffic is an excuse that won't work here. Sometimes one might encounter a traffic light. It is a good thing when folks do stop at stop signs and drive 30 in school zones.
I am very thankful for the beautiful wildlife. Jo came across some bear scat in the park behind us. That followed with some on our property a few days later. I am so excited. Not having a fence even led to a couple of moose spending the night at one time. We have beautiful birds that stop by every day for a visit at the feeder in front of our living room window. I had never watched birds before.
Looking up in the sky and seeing the northern lights is magical. I remember the first time I saw them, it looked like fireworks in the sky. Absolutely stunning.
As I look out my study window I see the colourful leaves of autumn dancing from the trees, cautioning us that winter is on the way. I am happy and very thankful for our four seasons.
This summer showed the true colours of this city. Mayor Lyn Hall opened his heart and the city to help others in need during the wildfire catastrophes. I have never seen volunteerism any place as we have it here. Strangers opened their homes and lives to welcome evacuees.
You, the people of Prince George, are truly what I am most thankful for, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. Last week Jo and I had a delightful visit with a reader of this column. He and his wife were so friendly and warm. We didn't shake hands when we met, we hugged. That is Prince George.
When we look outside and see chaos in the world, it's time to take a moment and appreciate what we have here. I am extremely thankful.
From our house to yours, wishing you a happy Thanksgiving.
