Thanksgiving: A Time for Giving Thanks

On this holiday, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for all of you who have encouraged me on my journey to be a progressive voice, to express opinions on race, gender and class in the law and politics. I am thankful for my friends, family, both here and in heaven, colleagues, acquaintances, teachers and spiritual leaders. Everyone has in in some way shaped me into who I am today. I am not where I want to be but I am thankful to be alive and still trying to be the person that I aspire to be.

On this day, I have to reflect on life itself and being thankful to be healthy and alive. Often these are just clichés but last year, a dear college friend became ill around Thanksgiving and one month later died from cancer. She was one of the most vibrant and energetic people I have known. And so to be able to be thankful for good health and to be alive is a blessing.

I am thankful most for having my mother in my life who encouraged me to be thankful in all situations and to be giving to those less fortunate, in whatever ways that are possible, large and small. She is a force that has encouraged me to be all that I can be. I am thankful for her and my teachers and spiritual leaders who taught me that to whom much is given, much is required.

I am thankful for all my family ancestors who came before me who shaped this country as slaves and helped me to form my attitudes on social justice. And I am thankful for my family and relatives who have given me support, love, encouragement in both good times and bad times, particularly my brother.

I love you all and am thankful to have all of you in my life. You have all shaped who I am in some way. You have all taught me that life is indeed a journey and not a destination. And I am thankful that I am still on that journey.

Be blessed, be well and Happy Thanksgiving!