I occasionally think about the greeting "Happy Thanksgiving" and know that, of course, giving thanks should be a happy recognition of the bounty I enjoy. And I occasionally wonder if people see it as more a greeting having to do with a great feast alone.

Today I will be surrounded by family. I think of last year, and the celebration that lacked one who was serving in Iraq. And I think of this year of those friends and extended family members serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

And without trying to be a downer, I will think, as I look over the bounty and prepare to enjoy it, of those many in the world who have little or nothing, and certainly nothing to compare with what I have.

And in the spirit of this site, I will look at my three dogs, Freya, Maximus, and Brio, and think that they have better health insurance than many people, have better nutrition provided than many people, have a good home and are more safe than many people. And I will be grateful for them.

And with those few sentiments, I sincerely wish each of you a very, very Happy Thanksgiving.

Mike,

Well said. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I could not have said it any better.