Happy Thanksgiving

*Disclaimer*  Please forgive my lack of eloquence.  I haven't slept too well that last few days.

To my dear friends:

I spend a lot of time bitching.  It’s just habit.  I see things I don’t like, and I state the fact.  Subtlety has not really ever been much of my thing.  But, tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving it is time I come to terms with the fact that I rarely state how lucky I am.

As you all know, I’ve spent the last 13 months in Ukraine.  Ukraine is a European country, no doubt, but it also a country in rough shape.  I generally call it a country of extremes.  By simple accidents of chance and birth I was not born in Ukraine.  I was born in the greatest country on God’s green Earth:  the United States of America.  For that reason, I am slightly homesick on this, of all nights; but also, I am ready to put into words some of the things I’m thankful for.  Some of the things I write are unique to me.  Some of the things I write are common to almost all Americans.

I am thankful for health and youth.  These are, of course, fleeting.  I’m currently reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and he makes a point of expressing just how fleeting they are.  But, while they are here I shall enjoy them.

I am thankful for my friends and family.  I’m sitting in my apartment looking at a number of things that have been sent from home, or hand delivered.  Books, coffee, snacks, clothes, and the list continues.  I have already been visited by two friends, and by my parents and my sister.  Truly incredible when you think of the cost and time it takes to travel this far around the world.  Being halfway around the world has really put into perspective just how lucky I am.  I am going to be in mourning tomorrow thinking of the family gathered together, I assume in Arlington Heights as usual.  Hopefully I will get to speak with some.  I’m often told that in Ukraine family is much more important than it is to we Americans.  I think that anyone who says this should look at my family.  Either side would challenge that statement to the core.  Thought, I suppose, one example hardly makes a case.

I also realize how much I rely on my friends.  Sitting at home on Friday and Saturday nights I recall, sometimes hazily nights in Newport.  Going to wacky wings Wednesday at the Oak Hill Tavern.  Stomping around Providence, Providence College and the surrounding areas.  I think of all the people that have made the past 10 years of my life incredible.  I am humbled by the actions of those close to me, and feel forever indebted;  “Debts that no honest man could pay,” as Bruce once said in a song I’ve played on repeat a few times.

I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given.  I have been given an opportunity to travel the world.  I have been given the opportunity for a wonderful college education.  In short, most of the things on my plate have been put there with very little doing on my part.  For many of these things I deserve as much credit as the guy in the buffet line scooping up the last of the chicken fingers.

On down the line, I’m thankful for America, and all the opportunities we’ve been given as Americans.  Times may be tough now, but like every tough time before we will prevail, and be better for it.  I’m thankful that I’m 12 months from Dave’s Market.  I’m 12 months from my next visit to Updike’s Newtowne.  12 months until I go to my next PC basketball game.  I’m thankful I have a place to call home, and look forward to as much as I am looking forward to my glorious return.  It is a wonderful perspective I’ve been given, living abroad for the past year.  Living abroad, especially in a less than affluent place can show how grateful we should be.  We have received a gift.  Let’s acknowledge how great it is, and stop and reflect on life long enough to remember that it’s pretty damn good for most of us.

Now, I don’t know much about a lot of things, but these are a few facts I know without any doubt.  While I am deeply envious of all of you celebrating back home, I’m glad you will be.  I’ll join the celebrations as soon as I can.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Pete