Thanksgiving Should be a Day of Reflection and Thanks

Yes, I live where others enjoy vacationing. The beautiful beach here on Marco is a wonder we should never take for granted. When I first bought here in 1986, I had the opportunity to bring both my mom, my brother, and my little niece here a few times before the passing of my mom in October of 1989, and my brother Bill only four years ago, when he had only turned 63.  

Every time I get to be on that beach or out on the water, I think about those visits and remember how much both my mom and my brother loved walking that beach and swimming in the warm Gulf. It’s a shame both of them never got to enjoy more of it. 

My dad passed away soon after his 45th birthday. It was the Fall of my senior year in high school, and I’ll never forget the nine months he suffered battling the cancer that racked his body. He never complained, though, and was always positive until the end. Even on the last day, when my mom and I walked into his room at the Veterans Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire, he gave my mom a smile and closed his eyes. It was as if he were waiting to see my mom and I and then would just let go! 

My dad never got to see this great place I now call home, but I can tell you without a doubt he would have loved it. He’d be playing golf with the Marco Men’s Club every chance he could get and sharing stories with many of those same men from his generation or just a little younger. When not golfing,he’d be joining in with those who play bridge at Mackle Park, one of his favorite pastimes. 

I think about the three of them every day; he was 45, she was 66, and my brother was 63 when the three of them passed. None of those three had been given the privileges that I’ve had. I guess that is why it’s important to remember those opportunities and the sacrifices it took to get me and my sister to where we are today. 

Yes, I was lucky; I had a great career in my professional life and met a lot of wonderful people. I also enjoyed a great life in the communities I’ve grown up in, both here and in New Hampshire.  

I’ve always thought it was important to be involved because I remember what was done for my family during those three times in my life. I understood how important the gesture of a cardboard box full of necessities meant when we came back from the cemetery on that cold day in November, the day before Thanksgiving, or that day we would lay my mother to rest next to my dad in her final resting place. 

I will always hold a special place in my heart for those who came together to honor my brother. It was Louie and Tasso who did so much for us during that week as my sister Kathy and I said goodbye to our kid brother. 

I often write about how important it is to give back. I do so because I truly understand what it means to be on the receiving end of a kind gesture. 

A gentleman I served on one of the many volunteer boards I’ve belonged to on the island often told me there are many ways to give, but most revolve around what he called the “Three T’s,”  Time, Talent, andTreasure. He was right - for many, the donation of their time and talent is as important as writing a check. 

This community of ours is approaching a turning point in its existence, when those who have been the backbone of this great community are approaching a time when they should be nurturing a new generation of leaders to take us forward. This new generation needs to step up and be serious regarding how they can lead within the community. This includes within their churches, schools, social and community organizations, as well as in civic leadership roles.   

As Marco continues to grow, and it will, the need for men and women to step forward and lend a hand will increase. Take the time to sit back and think a little about how you could be a contributor in making this a better community.  

This weekend,I’ll be thankful for all who have made this last trip around the sun so special for me.  My parents, my family, and all those wonderful friends who have chosen in one way or another to join me during my time here. 

Step up during this next year and ask how you can become a part of making this an even better place than it was when you first discovered it, and give thanks for all we have today due to those who came before us. 

Most of all, take time to say thank you to those whoserve as first responders, as well as our military who stand the watch to ensure you and I can enjoy the blanket of freedom we lay down under each and every evening.