"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." W. T. Purkiser
It wasn't the most beautiful of days... it was cold, windy and rainy and I didn't even want to leave the house much less take pictures in this mess. I even reasoned that no one else would go either in this terrible weather and was happy to sit at home and watch football.
Instead, I ventured out to Ravenel where a group of Pilgrims and Indians would be celebrating the First Thanksgiving at Peaceful Way.
Rain poured from the skies all the way there and I figured I would see an empty parking lot and a cancelled event. Instead, I was greeted with a smile and an invitation to join the members of Charleston Harbor Bible Church as they reenacted the first Thanksgiving complete with period games, crafts, horse rides and much more, including a feast.
Unhampered by the dreary weather, everyone enjoyed the afternoon activities and some even dressed the part. Before dinner, Pilgrim William Bradford told the story of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and why the settlers had reason to give thanks.
Knowing the hardships they encountered to get to the new world and the many who died trying to settle here, it was humbling to know they still had reason to give thanks. Listening, I realized I shouldn't be resentful about cold and rainy weather but thankful for what I do have.
Reason For Thanks
Last year, I visited the Palmetto House and listened to the story of Donald. He was out of work and away from his son but found reasons to be thankful. Everyone has reasons to be thankful, no matter how large or small. I also realized my reasons for being thankful were different from others.
What am I thankful for? The easy answer is family, friends and to be living in this country. The long answer... The Dallas Cowboys. That is not a typo, I am grateful for a professional football team. Don't understand -- read on.
When I was first born, my father smoked. I could not tell you how many packs a day but I know he smoked. My sister was not going to have anything to do with that. She was very forward thinking at the time and somehow knew as a little girl that smoking was unhealthy and wanted our father to quit.
She was so insistent he stop, she would sneak into his cigarettes and snap them in half before he had the chance to smoke them. Obviously irritated by the fact that all of his cigarettes were being ruined, he made her a deal.
If the Dallas Cowboys, his favorite team, won the Superbowl -- he would stop smoking. I don't know the over and under for that bet but my sister liked the odds. So, for the entire season she let him be and as the playoffs neared, dad was not the only one routing for the Cowboys.
Suffice to say, the Cowboys won, my sister won and our dad quit smoking that day.
What would have happened if they'd lost? I don't presume to know but they won and that is why I'm thankful for that team and root for them to this day no matter how mad I get at Tony Romo.
My point is -- people find the smallest reasons to be thankful.
Had he kept smoking, probably not much would have changed but because he did I feel we were able to throw the ball in the yard a couple years longer. I had him around a couple of years longer to teach me about life and what's right and wrong. He was there just a bit longer to ensure I turned into the person I am today.
My sister, she still bosses people around until she gets her way! Can't win them all but I am thankful for her as well.
I hate to wax philosophical here but Dallas winning has brought me to this point today where I can be thankful for so much more including my wife, kids, job and living here in the great state of South Carolina. How's that for deep?
So, on Thursday, you know who I will be cheering for after I have eaten my fair share of turkey. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Paul Zoeller is a freelance photographer new to the area. Do you have an idea for a new blog or a question about a current blog? If you do contact Zoeller at paul.zoeller@mac.com.
