Our Views: We have so much to be thankful for ...
... For a community that has become home
I have so much for which to be thankful. I’m grateful for my family, with all its beauty marks and warts. Between my wife’s family and mine, we’re a diverse lot, with varied opinions, disparate politics and assorted tastes. But we share respect for those differences, and we often ardently – but courteously – debate them. Sometimes we might even change our opinions.
I’m thankful for my wife, Catherine, who keeps me honest and certainly a little humble. After 27 years of marriage, ours is still an exciting adventure. We have a life built on respect. We have shared difficult times as well as many, many joyous escapades. Our adventures are never-ending and we’re always eager for the next mischief.
I’m thankful for my loyal hound, Booker. He gave me back my belly laugh and reminds me that life is to be devoured. Sometimes the sloppier, the better. And that there are surprises – and prizes – around every corner.
I’m thankful to be working in the news business, an important field that provides a critical service to our community. Ours is a tremendous responsibility to transparency, completeness and integrity. I am privileged to work with remarkably intelligent and hard-working professionals who report news and craft compelling stories, as well as stimulate diverse ideas and opinions among our audience – all day, every day. We are thrilled when we can do some good. In this rapidly changing world, I’m fortunate enough to have a staff that doesn’t spend its energy wringing its hands about change. They embrace it. They race to it.
Finally, I’m thankful to be in Modesto. Catherine and I have lived in and explored many areas during our time together. But the people of Modesto have embraced us like no other community. We feel like a part of you. We see amazing opportunity on the horizon. We’re eager to do our part. Thank you for that. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
... For The Bee’s team of talented journalists
I am fortunate to be overflowing with reasons to be thankful. A beautiful wife and family, lifelong friends and good health top the list, for sure.
But today, I’m thinking about the special people at The Bee who work hard to bring you the news – online and in print, 365 days a year.
They don’t toil in these difficult jobs to engender compliments; heaven knows there are far more brickbats than plaudits in this business. They work to tell the truth and to right wrongs. In today’s connected world, misinformation can travel the globe before the truth has strapped on its boots. Credible, honest, ethical journalists correct the record. I am fortunate to lead a group of people who take their responsibilities seriously, even in the face of sometimes withering criticism.
So take a minute today to think about the important local stories of the past year that never would have been told without the work of enterprising Bee journalists. They are my heroes, and they’re deserving of your thanks, too.
... For opportunity to tell Latinos’ stories
As we near the end of this year, I am thankful for what I believe is the basic and most important element that a human being can have: health. Not just mine but that of my husband and our families.
I am also thankful for my job as managing editor of the bilingual publication Vida en el Valle because it has allowed me to meet amazing and inspiring people that call this community home.
Even better – and dear to my heart – it has allowed me to tell the stories of Latinos who have overcome unimaginable obstacles; immigrants who have taken leadership roles in this community; children, who despite their disabilities, have proven their determination and courage to follow their dreams; and, high school students who have exceeded expectations. I’m thankful there are so many more, and so many more to tell.
... For those who disagree, but still read
Like everyone, my prayers of thanks today will include family, friends, those around the table and those I wish were. While I’m at it, I’m going to take a deep, deep breath and give thanks for the ones who make me uncomfortable, irritable, even defensive.
They know who they are, no need to name them. They’re the folks who email or call to tell me The Bee’s opinions on refugees, President Obama, Donald Trump, water for irrigation, water for fish, water for lawns and so much more are all wrong. They let me know when they think I’ve bit off more than a pit bull can chew, when I’ve confused fiction for fact, and when I’ve angered the almighty tea party or God almighty. Some suggest I sign up for the president’s “adopt a terrorist” program or that the climate has changed enough to make Saskatchewan comfortable.
Still, I appreciate them. Why? Because they have passion, they care and they read. I’m thankful because we all live in a land where our disagreements won’t keep us from seeing the value in each other (though sometimes we must look hard). Now let’s eat.
... For a feast in a mess kit in 1965
Thanksgiving Day 1965. My U.S. Marine battalion had recently arrived in Chu Lai, Vietnam. It was the first time we had been afforded tents, bunks and hot food in five months. Since the Corps went all out for the holiday meals it served, we were anxious to eat.
Approaching the mess tent, I opened my mess kit; it was so small the food had to be layered in, third course on top of second, on top of first and so on. First came the turkey, then the dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberries and vegetables. On the very top was a piece of pumpkin pie and scoop of ice cream. It was the best Thanksgiving feast I’ve ever had.
So this Thanksgiving Day, I will be taken back to that day in 1965 and reminded of all I have to be thankful for.
This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Our Views: We have so much to be thankful for ...."