Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a day when families and friends come together in a social atmosphere to celebrate a time dedicated to being thankful for nature’s bounty.
The tradition taught to school children is that Thanksgiving was a time when the Pilgrims and the Indians came together to share food from their ample fall harvest. The day began as a symbol of cooperation, bountiful feasts and the spirit of friendship.
Today, while much of the original traditions have long gone, the day continues to be one for feasting, family and togetherness.
This year, try to infuse some thankfulness into your day by asking those at your table to offer their own tales of gratitude.
If you have a member of an older generation who lived through deprivation in the last century, ask them to tell stories to the young ones who have never been without.
If you have a current or former military member with you, ask them to tell tales of life in war zones, occupied countries and of eating MRI’s heated on the engine of a truck to remind your guests that not everyone will have such a large feast on this day.
If you have someone who has lived or traveled abroad, ask them to share stories of the things they’ve seen and experienced and why they’re thankful to be American.
If you have a farmer in your family, ask them to talk about all the ways their livelihood has changed through the years and why all should be grateful for the food on the table and the hands that put it there.
If you have the time, call friends and family, and anyone who might be alone on Thanksgiving, to tell them how thankful you are to know them and how much they mean to you.
Before you get caught up in the next holiday, stop, even if just for a moment, and be thankful for your life and its many blessings.
What We Think
Our Opinion: Be Thankful
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Grading policy: A second chance?
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Be up to any weather challenge
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Parents and schools
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
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School policy fails expectations
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. -
Sports tourneys: They will come
More than 20 years after its release, “Field of Dreams’” mantra, “If you build it, they will come,” has possibly become one of the most overused lines from any movie. Yet, it seems all too fitting for what’s been happening lately within the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
