So, I just left the hospital after having visited my younger brother a day after his hip replacement surgery. And it occurs to me that quite a few of my friends, family, patients; even yours truly, have been hospitalized over this past year. I am thankful that mostly all have bounced back to health. Yet, I find that while I’m grateful for many gifts that life has bestowed upon me in the past 12 months: a new home in Manhattan for Ann and me, the beginning of a fulfilling career as an Occupational Therapist for our daughter Ashley, Jonathan’s college graduation and continued studies at Cornell, to name a few, my thoughts for this Thanksgiving have less to do about thankfulness than they do about HOPE.
Barely a month ago we were assaulted by Superstorm Sandy. Before our very eyes, lives were lost and devastated. We witnessed our neighbors’ homes destroyed rendering so many homeless without possessions. Livelihoods were literally washed away. And as the carnage is removed, what must remain is hope for better days to come and hope that time will heal. Much like Thanksgiving post 9/11/2001, this Thanksgiving will be a bit more somber than most.
As I gather with my dear friends and family today, my thoughts and prayers will go out to all those touched by this tragedy and I wish for all a hopeful outlook that bears fruit for a brighter tomorrow.
– Michael