Thanksgiving, like many other days while deployed to Iraq, is much like, well, every other day. The only difference is the meal at the chow hall has turkey and all the fixings and there’s cocktail shrimp.
Otherwise, turkey day is just like every other day.
That’s not to complain, only to point out that as you gather this week with your family and friends and think about everything that you have to accomplish, take a moment to truly reflect on what it means to be grateful. Take some time to look around you, at the noise of your houseguests, the disaster area of your kitchen and the spilled milk in the bathroom to be grateful for all of it.
We as a people are so much more fortunate than others. Even at our worst in America, there is so much to be thankful for. Even if you’ve never seen a ten year old boy, who looks like he’s six because he’s never had enough to eat, you can still take time to appreciate the little things.
So as you’re rushing around, freaking out because the cheesecake collapsed and the turkey is a little too dry, remember that your friends might not all be here today. That someone is mourning a distant soldier or lost friend. Remember to live each day like you might not have a tomorrow.
Be grateful for the time that you have with your kids, even when they drive you nuts. Kiss your husband, even though he forgot to pick up milk on his way home. And remember most of all to live today to the fullest.
And a special thanks to everyone who will be sharing a meal in the chow hall together. It’s an honor serving with you.