Can we talk? Interestingly enough, those iconic three little words–today, instantly recognizable to Joan Rivers fans the world over–weren’t planned. There were no focus groups, no marketing meetings. To hear Joan tell it, the phrase just happened. Organically. She wanted to strip her routine down to the truths and have a real and meaningful dialogue with her audiences.
This issue, I’d like to borrow the late great Joan’s thinking and, stripping away the usual platitudes, talk about something important to all of us–gratitude.
However cliché it may seem, November is actually the perfect time to talk turkey about the means and ways of giving and thanks. Not only do we celebrate our nation’s Thanksgiving holiday, we celebrate our individual and united freedoms with elections at various levels of government. Our cover story features the League of Women Voters of New Castle; and let me tell you, they tell it like it is! No partisan politics for this group–you want to know where a candidate stands, the League can recite you chapter and verse. They are an amazing organization of talented, smart, invested and, above all, giving women and (surprise!) some men who do so much for so many in our communities. I don’t know about you, but I am truly grateful for them and for their service to all of us!
Speaking of exceptional individuals, what about women like Elinor Griffith? When it comes to giving, she leads by example. Our Soup’s On article clearly shows that many local people depend on the kindness of strangers. But while volunteers often join an effort as relative strangers, many of them often find and become enduring friends. After all, where there’s giving, there’s gratitude. And, as Elinor suggests, more often than not the giver gets so much out of the deal that gratitude becomes a two-way street! That’s a pretty cool way of looking at thanks and giving, n’est-ce pas!?
I’m also thankful for the men of Movember. Yes, those generous guys whose hirsute lips help raise awareness for men’s health concerns. We women love to talk and share. But most men? Not so much. They need an ice breaker. Hair it is for Movember. And, seriously, how can you ignore someone whose very face says I moustache you an important question!?
Last, but certainly not least, let’s give it up for the heroes among us. They don’t always wear capes and leotards, but we know who they are. Our New Castle community has all kinds of heroes, mostly unsung, and I’d like to ask that we all take a moment to think about which and how many everyday heroes have made a difference in our lives. Moms and dads, brothers and sisters, teachers, coaches, doctors and nurses, fire fighters, police…you get the idea! And, while we’re on the subject, a very special salute to a family that has a one-of-kind perspective on heroism–please make sure to read Home Grown Heroes.
Personally, I’m ever so thankful for your attention, your interest, your time. The positive feedback I’ve received from many friends (old and new) in our community, and beyond, has been tremendously gratifying. I mean that most sincerely. And, if I may quote Joan once more before signing off – Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present.
Yours, with gratitude,
Beth
