2012 – Page 23 – Morrisburg Leader

Sorry, Turkeys!

October 3, 2012 Editor

Turkeys everywhere are on edge.

Twice a year (if you count Christmas), turkeys wish they barked instead of gobbled, and answered to the name Fido instead of Tom.

Yes, it’s Thanksgiving this weekend and it’s actually hard to believe that this big fall feast has rolled around so quickly. (I feel like I’ve misplaced a few weeks somewhere.) And what’s even more frightening, with Thanksgiving here on Monday, the stores will probably be hanging out the Christmas tinsel by Tuesday.

Incidentally, have you ever noticed how many celebrations in Canada (like Thanksgiving) seem to chiefly revolve around families eating huge amounts of food, and then feeling bloated for three days afterward? While the Thanksgiving family dinner table may resemble that classic Norman Rockwell painting for, oh, about five minutes after everyone sits down, it should be noted that the subsequent feeding frenzy can leave the dining room looking like a gravy war zone.

(We timed Thanksgiving dinner at our house once. Twenty five family members present, all ages. From grace to empty platters, about seven and a half minutes. New family record.)

But isn’t that the joy of a holiday like Thanksgiving?

We look forward to enjoying the turkey and ham, fresh bread, gravy, baked beans, rich salads, dressing and all those wonderful homemade pies and cakes garnished with whipped cream. No diet sheets or fast foods here. And we also look forward to sharing this bounty with those we love best, our families and friends.

This Thanksgiving, count your blessings, remember all the good times, and be sure to tell the old stories and the old jokes. Then dig into that wonderful feast of celebration.

Sorry, turkeys. W.G.

[…]

Sun Shines on 21st Williamsburg Harvest Festival

October 3, 2012 Editor

“We had great crowds, and some really great volunteers making everything happen,” said David Lapier, a member of the Williamsburg Community Association, which planned and ran the 21st Annual Williamsburg Fall Festival, held September 28-29. “We even had good weather. This was a wonderful community event.”

There was something for everyone at this year’s Wil-liamsburg Harvest Festival.

The noon parade was a high light of Saturday’s celebration. Colourful floats and dancers, the Air Cadet band and a piper, antique cars, decorated bikes, equestrians, mascot Sparky, and even two uniformed and mounted members of the RCMP took part.

Throughout the day, the Williamsburg ball park was trans-formed into a midway. Inflatables, petting zoos, pony rides, water events with the South Dundas Fire Department, Maple the Cow, face painting and plenty of great food ensured that families had lots to enjoy.

The craft show and sale at the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre drew many shoppers, hoping, possibly, to get a jump on this year’s Christmas gifts.

In the afternoon, people took in some great country music with Earl Casey and Good‘n Country, then saw an exciting demonstration by the Harbour Lites Square dancers. Landmark was the headliner at the Saturday evening dance, following the annual chicken dinner at the Oddfellows Hall.

And, except for food purchases, all daytime events, presentations and games at the Williamsburg Fall Harvest Festival were free.

“The generous support and sponsorship of area businesses allowed us to offer our fun events for free to everyone,” Lapier said. “There are not a lot of regional community events any more, where there are no admission or rides fees. This business support is really important to us.”

Williamsburg was transformed during the celebration, with fall themed, decorated doors, and porches and telephone and hydro poles.

A number of special contests for young and old to enjoy took place throughout the weekend.

Prize and Contest Winners

In the Kids’ Colouring Contest, Trevor Backes took first in the age 0-5 category, while Mary Richmire and Cameron Stewart tied in the age 6-10 category. Sarah Backes took the age 11 and up contest. Honourable mention went to 17-month-old Mia Henderson, who entered the event for the first time.

The heaviest potato went to Melissa Toonders, 1st, Brenda Toonders, 2nd and Nicole Toonders, 3rd.

The heaviest carrot was won by Madilyn Beckstead, 1st, Carl Barkley, 2nd and Caleb Guerin, 3rd.

The largest zucchini was grown by Bea Stewart, 1st, Larry Schell, 2nd and Madison Chretien, 3rd.

The best decorated wheel barrow was won by April Richmire, with Jaime Baldwin and Florence Merkley coming in second and third.

The best decorated door saw April Richmire, Drew DeDekker and Ellyn Wells tie for first place with Jaime Baldwin, 2nd and Helen Mathieu, 3rd.

In the best decorated bike contest, Brendan Shaver came first with Kyle Merkley and Travis Merkley coming second and third.

Bruce Whitteker’s corn stalk was judged tallest, while Louise Richmire’s sunflower was deemed largest.

The trivia contest was won by April Richmire and Erika Jordan.

In the Havest Poster contest, Kyra Lewis took first in the six and under category, while Louise Richmire came second and Abby Steward came third. In the seven and up category, Hailey Steward was first, with Matina Lewis second and Mary Richmire, third.

In the best fall centrepiece contest, in the children’s category, Mary Richmire was first, Drew DeDekker second and Tyler DeDekker third.

In the adult division, Heather Whitteker was first, Laurin Barkley second and Debbie Disheau, third.

The contest for largest real red Maple leaf saw Hailey Steward’s entry take first, Abby Steward take second and Kurtis Steward take third.

The photo contest, judged by reporters from local papers, saw Karen MacPherson take first in the Landscape division, with Ashton Urquhart second and Kelly Morrow third. In the People division, Kelly Morrell was first, Karin MacPherson second and Debbie Disheau third. In the Animals division, Julie Mitchell was first, Randy Mathieu second and Kelly Morrell third.

Winners of the Allan Doherty Memorial Horseshoe Tournament were Brian Witteveen and Elaine Leveille, first, Mike Felker and Charlie English, second and Ray Joanisse and Morris Dusomos third.

The best commercial float was won by Nick Merkley (Marsden & McLaughlin Funeral Home &WCA), while Lyle Van Allen’s Len Godard and WCA float took the best non-commercial float entry.

Larry Bilmour won the best paraded horse entry, Eliza Laied was the best individual youth and Brendan, Cam and Donovan Shaver were the best youth group, ages 5-12. Seaway High took the best youth group ages 8-16.

The best paraded car was Wayne Salmon’s, while Denny Raistrick was named best paraded transport/trailer. Best paraded tractor was Terry and Francis Henderson.

Julie Mitchell took first in the scavenger hunt with second a tie between Donna Laporte and April Richmire. Sarah Backes was third.

Winner of the 50/50 draw was Keith Scott.

[…]

Donkey pulling cart uphill in South Dundas

October 3, 2012 Editor

Dear Editor,

In response to you font page headline of September 12, “Council nor riding horse in same direction”…perhaps you could create a cartoon depicting three individuals driving a donkey pulling a buggy with two people as passengers with the headline “Can you spot the Jackasses?”

Some individuals of this council are adopting a McGuinty/Obama approach to spending our hard earned tax dollars. Council is supposed to be accountable to “We the people” especially when large outlandish expenditures are brought forward.

The “High School Project” appears to have close ties to the Federal Government F-35 procurement for fighter jets. It will cost more than first quoted, will it be sustainable and are they in damage repair mode to cover their a…?

Ottawa has the same problem–the Landsdown project will be way over budget, too…McGuinty spent $600 million to move a power plant to pick up votes…Should taxpayers be responsible for all the “politicians’ errors”?

Were our mayor and council not brave enough to put this to the people before they decided to renovate the old school?

As quoted in a “Complimentary Issue” of the Cornwall Standard Freeholder dated September 20, Stephen MacDonald estimated $7.5 for a new building…Is this for a replica of Boldt Castle?

Also, are there not enough qualified contractors in South Dundas to erect a suitable, cost effective, no frills building that will fill the needs of our council? I think there are.

Looking at the beautiful homes in our municipality, large farm buildings and the large storage bins for crops, we know we have a lot of deserving contractors capable of providing what we need.

Did everyone involved (elected and non-elected) officials brainstorm to look at every possible scenario for this needed space for employees? Was it every under consideration to build an addition on the building that has been home to our municipal business for a number of years?

Perhaps the Lutheran Church could have sold them additional adjoining land to make additions possible?

We, the tax payers have had a first hand look at large projects that had problems…the water treatment plant. Who was on the hook for replacing the sub-standard stainless steel? Who was accountable for reimbursement from the ones in charge?

Another example is the apartment complex in the west end of Williamsburg–flooded basements, leaking window etc.

Again, referring to the article in the Standard Freeholder, the awarded contractor “has some suggest cuts to lower the expense.”

Just what we need, more short cuts that may cause future problems and more expense.

Were there not any suggested short cuts in reference to the $7.5 million dollar “Trump Tower” that was also discussed?

We the taxpayers are daily reminded to lower our spending in these uncertain times and fiscal restraints are a must. Our Mayor, as quoted in the Standard Freeholder (Complimentary Issue) states, “But in the end, I hope it is the right thing to do.”

That sounds as comforting as being a passenger on an ocean liner speeding toward an iceberg field at full speed.

Why are we emptying our reserves to fulfill a fantasy while our infrastructure is crumbing–storm sewers need to be fixed, roads need repairs, docking facilities have been in disrepair for some time, bridge repairs, disposal sites are filling up

These projects, along with trying to hold line on property and business taxes, should be considered important. Oh yes, we will ask the government for funding!!! This too dries up…Will we ever see a front page headline that says “Mayor and council listen to people’s opinions”?

Granted, there are still some sentimental ties to the old high school. But the next generations and new people moving in to the community will not treasure it as past and present generations do.

Our grandchildren will be paying for this, and it means nothing to any of them.

Will more space mean more employees, more municipal vehicles, building administrator and support staff, larger cleaning and maintenance staff?

The larger building will mean more heating and cooling costs, elevator maintenance, insurances and programs, not to mention all new furniture and on and on …

Perhaps we should adopt Donald Trump’s method of proving competence. You are given a challenge to prove yourself. If you fail, “you’re fired”…but give our money back first.

Glenn Beckstead

Church Road

[…]

Mild spring, frost, drought, the apples hang on

October 3, 2012 Editor

Although Paul Beckstead at Smyth’s Apple Orchard on County Road 18, west of Williamsburg, says 2012 isn’t the worst apple season, it certainly ranks a very close second.

Beckstead, whose Smyth’s Orchard is the largest in South Dundas with over 25,000 trees offering 54 apple varieties, recalls 1981, when whole trees were lost.

That year a mild winter was followed by a very late spring cold snap. “The sap was up and the leaves were out, and it literally froze the sap and the bark,” says Beckstead.

This year the three local apple producers, Smyth’s, Dentz Orchard and Berry Farm on the Brinston Road and Barkley’s Apple Orchard north of Morrisburg, are reporting a better than hoped for apple harvest, but one that falls well short of even an average season.

The poor season got its start back in March when the area experienced unusually mild temperatures, well into the 80s for an extended number of days, which sent the trees into early bud production.

Then in late April, we experienced several days of cold weather with heavy frost which damaged the tender blossoms that were one to two weeks ahead of schedule.

With all of the growers hopeful that enough blossoms were spared for a reasonable harvest, the area then experienced a summer-long drought.

“It’s been so hot and dry which added to more stress on the trees,” says Paul Dentz.

Dentz explains that the size of apples is relative to the amount of apples on the tree. In other words a smaller crop (which it was heading into the summer) would normally mean bigger apples.

However, because of the drought, the trees were using what moisture they could to stay alive and as a result the apples, with the exception of a handful of varieties, did not develop to be as large as was initially expected.

“It did not turn out as good as we had hoped for,” said PaulDentz. Although Paul and his brother Calvin had brought in a helicopter to fly over their orchards during the frosty April night, and blow the warmer air back down to the ground, “we knew at the time the helicopter was here that the temperatures it was bringing down were not adequate.”

At Smyth’s Orchards, “it’s a touch better than we had anticipated,” says Beckstead. “It was so dry that the apples didn’t size up, so it is by no means a big crop or a bumper crop.”

The Macs are generally down in size as are the Spartans. The Empire and the Delicious, which like more heat, fared slightly better, and it was a good year for the Honey Crisp.”

“We have enough to do the local stores, and we will have apples available all winter for our customers,” says Beckstead.

At the Barkley Orchard, north of Morrisburg, Bill Barkley reports a reasonably good crop.

Barkley says his trees didn’t suffer as much from the drought as might be expected. He owes this to the clay soil which holds moisture better and the fact that, “we probably aren’t tile drained as much a some other producers.”

He also allows natural grass cover to grow up under his trees, which he says also helps to hold the moisture.

“Things are dry, but hopefully we will get a good cover of snow this winter.”

Barkley is selling his apples at local fruit stands, at McHaffie’s Flea Market and at Ottawa Markets.

Smyth’s Orchards will sell from their home location all winter and have their products in various stores in the area. The Dentz farm facility on the Brinston Road will soon close for the season.

The three Orchards are now wrapping up this year’s harvest. Beckstead reports his trees are looking good and are now producing their buds for next year.

Apple lovers can expect to pay a bit more for their favourite fruit this winter, with prices up about 30 percent.

[…]

Charles Lee

October 3, 2012 Editor

A former resident of R.R.#1 Williamsburg, Charles Lee passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Saturday, September 22, 2012. He was 88.

Charles was the beloved husband of the late Billie Lee (nee Moulds).

He was dear stepfather of John Arseneault of Morrisburg, Lynda Gridgeman of South Mountain and Jim Arseneault of Kanata, and dear brother of Hazel Wilkinson of Ottawa and Norma Kingsbury of Sebring, Florida.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Charles was predeceased by his stepson Dick Arseneault, his sister Lillian Cowie and his brother Frank Lee.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Sunday from 1 p.m. until time of service.

The funeral service was held at the funeral home on Sunday, September 30th at 3 p.m., with Rev. Janet Evans officiating. Cremation followed.

Interment of cremated remains will be at Capital Memorial Gardens, Manotick.

Donations to C.N.I.B. would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Funding cuts to put special needs families in crisis

October 3, 2012 Editor

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter to inform your readers of an important issue regarding a population of individuals who are in crisis. Parents of special needs children have been able to apply for relief and developmental programming under a funding program called “Special Services at Home (SSAH)”. This funding comes from the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Approval for this funding program required that the child meet the criteria and an amount was given based on the level of need. Once the funding was approved the parents had to send in invoices with the signatures from the workers who provided the relief or implemented the developmental program.

The “Special Services at Home (SSAH) program gave funding to children and adults with special needs. Parents use this funding to have before and after school support, to take their other children to their extracurricular activities, to have a date night, to have therapy done at home with their child, to visit their aging parents, to go to work, etc.

This funding also allows to the child/adult with special needs to go to community events without mom and dad. This teaches independence and is a normal phase of life to do activities without their parents.

As of April 1, 2013, the Ministry of Community and Social Services is cutting this funding program once a child reaches 18 years old. The SSAH program will only be given to families with children under 18 years of age.

What does this mean to the families with a child over 18 years of age?

For some families there will not be the care before and after school. One parent will have to quit their job. It will mean that any extra therapy done at home will not occur and the child will regress. It will mean that there will not be supports so mom or dad can attend their other children’s activities or visit or take their aging parents to appointments. It will mean these parents who have devoted their entire life to their child with special needs will not go on a date, participate in community events together and even dream of a few days away alone. There will also not be outings in the community for their adult child and the hope of their child’s gaining independence will become impossible.

Parents with a child with special needs age just like everyone else. They will face medical challenges, just like you will as you age. They also support their other children through post secondary education, in finding a job, getting married, etc. Without the SSAH funding parents with a child with special needs will not be able to be a “normal” parent to their other immediate family members.

As a parent of a 25 year old child with special needs, I am proud of the job we have done caring for our daughter in our home. Having her in our lives is a blessing and a true joy.

I am also grateful I have been able to volunteer, support my two other children as they have grown up, had the privilege of travelling seven hours to be present at the birth of my grandson and been an active member in my mother’s life.

Our holidays consist of a few nights away each year. There is no hope of a seven day vacation and a spontaneous evening out. This is okay. We have accepted our lives as we age together caring for our daughter at home, BUT we cannot do this with the minimal funding we get.

The maximum SSAH gives is $10,000 per year. This means eight hours a week of help. The average SSAH amount given to families is $4,000.00. This means 3.5 hours per week of help.

Imagine you are told you will have an aging family member come to live with you next week. This family member requires 24 hour care. He/she cannot be left alone at all.

Your reaction is that you love your family member but you are not able to care for her/him because you work, you have activities at night, you volunteer, you help care for your grandchildren or aging mom/dad.

The response to you from the Ministry is “WE DO NOT CARE!”.

Try to imagine caring for an aging loved one for 30-60 years. This is what parents of a special needs child does and they are so proud of this special task.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services has decided that now there will not be relief funding for a parent with a special needs child turning 18 years old. As a result, some will lose their jobs, some will not be able to cope, many will no longer be able to attend functions as a couple, some will get depressed, and so much more.

I also have to add there is no new funding being provided by the Ontario government for adults with a developmental disability. The waiting lists are growing and growing. It is up to 30 years to receive a residential placement and this may not be the choice for everyone. The entire system to assist those with a developmental disability is in crisis.

Jim McDonell MPP will host an evening on Tuesday, October 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the North Stormont Place-Community Centre, 16299 Fairview Dr., Avonmore to hear from the families who are being affected by the cut of SSAH funding.

I encourage others to attend and hear the families’ stories. Please share this important family forum with those in your life who have a child/grandchild with special needs.

We need to come together to share, listen and state loudly that in Ontario we need to take care of our most vulnerable population and their families.

Sincerely,

Terry Boyd

[…]

Evan Mullin sees golf from the pro tee at the Great Waterway Classic

October 3, 2012 Editor

When Krista Boyce and Evan Mullin look back on their summer adventures for 2012, one item that will be on top of their list will be their experiences as volunteers at the Great Waterway Golf Classic, Canadian Tour event played at the Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course, September 3-9.

For Krista, who grew up around the Prescott Golf Course and who started the game as a junior player, the call for volunteers for the Classic gave her the opportunity to show her son Evan, 14, a different side of the game.

“He has always only golfed with us in fun stuff, so I wanted him to see what the game is about and what it can be at the competitive level. I wanted him to learn the etiquette of golf and how to behave on a golf course, to experience the gentleman part of the game.”

Although Krista had initially intended for Evan to apply to be a caddy, when he was accepted, she was approached to also volunteer and ended up working the leader board.

Although Evan is not a member of a golf club, Krista, a one-time, competitive 17 handicapper, has returned to play out of her hometown Prescott Club after taking time off with her young family and later playing briefly at the Morrisburg and Cedar Glen courses.

She says the experience at the Classic was great, for her and Evan and for her daughter, Jessica, 20, who volunteered in the hospitality side of the tournament.

“Evan is so excited about golf now,” says Krista. “The tournament was so well down. I can’t wait for it to come to Upper Canada next summer. They were the upcoming young golfers and people should go and watch them play.”

“It was just amazing. They came from everywhere across Canada and from universities in the United States.”

To be a caddy in the Great Waterway Classic, Evan was provided four hours of training and a tour around the beautiful 6,502 yard, Smuggler’s Glen layout. “He was basically taught to pick up, keep up and shut up,” says Krista with a laugh.

Evan was caddy for Matt Hoffman and although Hoffman, an amateur, did not make the cut, Evan thoroughly enjoyed his two days on the course with him. Hoffman did not mind talking during his round and gave Evan lots of tips and hints says Krista.

“It was quite a show. It was something just to be able to be involved in it. It was good for Evan. We talked about it all the way home, both days. I can’t wait for Upper Canada.”

The Great Waterway Classic, Canadian Tour event was new to the region and involved some 250 volunteers from across Ontario. The tournament was won by Eugene Wong of North Vancouver.

As a local component, a Chase the Dream series of qualifying events were played to enable golfers from the Waterway Region the opportunity to earn one of four exemptions. Although he did not earn a spot, Prescott golfer Phil Patterson had the best results locally.

The final domestic stop on the Canadian Tour, the Classic is scheduled for at Upper Canada Golf Course in 2013, the Loyalist Golf and Country Club at Bath in 2014, and the Black Bear Ridge Golf Course in Belleville in 2015.

The Great Waterway Tourism Region of Southeastern Ontario stretches from Belleville to Cornwall.

[…]

Family lucky to escape fire

October 3, 2012 Editor

A three year old, a lighter and disabled smoke alarms are a recipe for disaster, but luckily that disaster was averted by a local family this weekend.

Firefighters were called to the scene of a mattress fire, Saturday morning, shortly before 8 a.m. When they arrived, they found the occupants of 65 Augusta Street in Morrisburg, outside wrapped in blankets. The fire, located in the second floor bedroom, was extinguished and firefighters removed the burnt mattress and debris.

“I spoke with the tenants of the home and the grandmother said that she smelled smoke and discovered the second floor bedroom on fire,” said Chris McDonough, fire chief of South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services. “She woke her son and got her three year old grandson out of the bedroom.”

“As it turns out, the three year old boy had set fire to the bedroom with a lighter that was in his father’s pants next to the bed,” said McDonough. “This could very easily have been a fatality.”

According to McDonough, the smoke alarm on the second floor had been removed and the battery had been removed from the smoke alarm on the main floor of the home.

A $235 charge will be laid for not having working smoke alarms in the home.

“I would like to remind everyone that you must have a working smoke alarm on every storey of your home and that they should practice their home escape plans,” said McDonough.

[…]

Gladys Shaver

October 3, 2012 Editor

A lifelong resident of the community, Gladys Alice Shaver died peacefully at the Dundas Manor Nursing Home in Winchester on Friday, September 21, 2012, at the age of 85 years.

Gladys was born on July 29, 1927, in Williamsburg Township to Wilburn Hall and the former Minnie Robertson.

She was raised and educated in the Iroquois area and on June 22, 1945, in Iroquois, Gladys married Dwayne Shaver.

Together Gladys and Dwayne raised four children; Norma (Steve) McMillan of Morrisburg, Danny (Laura) of Brinston, Tim (Suzanne) of Cardinal and the late Larry Shaver.

Gladys was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She lived for her offspring. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Gladys was an avid gardener, and she won a prize for the best garden in Iroquois. She loved to knit and made beautiful sweaters for her family. She was also a great cook and loved to bake.

Gladys and Dwayne loved to travel and they had a real fondness for Tim Horton’s where they spent many mornings for coffee.

Gladys is survived by her children Norma (Steve) McMillan of Morrisburg, Danny (Laura) of Brinston and Tim (Susan) of Cardinal.

She was dear sister of Eleanor Duff of Morrisburg, Lloyd (Jennie) Hall of Iroquois, Viola (Jim) Fawcett of Iroquois and Garry Hall of Morrisburg and she will be sadly missed by six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Gladys was predeceased by her son Larry, her sister Doris Storey and her brothers Clifford and Clayton.

Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was at the funeral home on Monday, September 24, 2012, at 1:30 p.m.

Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Dundas Manor in Winchester would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Interment was at Spruce Haven in Brinston.

Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Perspectives by Rev. Clarence Witten

October 3, 2012 Editor

Messing up on Thanksgiving Day

I have a confession to make. I really don’t do justice to some of our special holidays.

Take for example, Victoria Day. I love the day off, but sorry to say, I don’t do anything to celebrate the dead Queen who gave us the day. Or Boxing Day. It’s another great day. Who doesn’t like two days off in a row, but all my life I couldn’t tell you what that day commemorates.

To be honest I probably don’t do any better with Labour Day. Sure, I’m all for supporting ‘labourers’ and all the hard work they do (coming from blue collar stock myself), but I can’t say I celebrate ‘work’. Sheesh, what fun is that?

Likewise, if I’m really honest, I can even mess up on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a great day to enjoy fall colours, to pig out on turkey, and to enjoy family, but it’s pretty easy to do little by the way of being thankful. I suspect I’m not the only one who has this problem. Why is that?

Maybe it’s because celebrating thanksgiving isn’t that easy to do for a number of reasons.

The first reason is simply that we don’t naturally feel thankful for all we have. We just kind of get used to all the good things in our lives like our family, friends, health, jobs, or whatever. Or maybe we think we deserve them. We may appreciate these things, but this doesn’t necessarily translate into gratitude.

What’s the solution? I read somewhere that the words ‘think’ and ‘thank’ are related. Makes sense to me. Only when we really think about all the things that make our lives so rich and have a sense that they are gifts from God will we be thankful.

Of course that other thing that can get us to be grateful is to have these things taken away. Then we realize how wonderful it is to have them, and how grateful we should be for them.

I hate to say it, but another reason being thankful can be tough is because of our pride. We tend to think we have what we have because of us. We figure we are healthy because we look after ourselves. We think we’re well off because of our hard work. We see our success as being thanks to our smarts. It’s tough to admit that maybe somebody else has had something to do with keeping us healthy, or giving us our work ethic or the brains we have.

I read of an African tribe who have an odd way of saying thanks. To express thanks to someone they bow before that person, put their forehead on the ground and say, “My head is in the dirt.” Seems to me they understand that to really give thanks is humbling. And because of this, giving thanks can be difficult. We tend to be proud people.

Suffering can also make thanksgiving hard. Who feels grateful when they’re facing cancer, or are broke, or have lost a loved one? When we go through things like this griping comes a lot more easy.

Yet, the truth is even in life’s struggles, there is always still so much to be thankful for. The chances are good that the sun is still shining, that there are still a bunch of people around who love us, and that there’s still food on the table, to mention just a few things that we still have. So if we’d only think about these things, we really still could be thankful.

There was a guy once who after being robbed of his money wrote in his diary: “Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my (money), they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, and not someone else.” We could learn something from that guy.

I began by saying that I mess up in the way I celebrate some of the special holidays we have. Maybe you do to.

Yet, the more I think about it, the more I realize that Thanksgiving Day is a day I should take seriously. We are so incredibly fortunate in this country. So undeniably blessed by God. Seems to me he deserves some genuine thanks. For all his gifts, for all his love, and especially for his son sent to save us.

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

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