Thanksgiving time to appreciate others

Breeze Perspectives

A succulent platter of assorted foods and delightful aromas may appeal to your eyes and nose at your destination of thanks this year, but before you plunge into a thick wedge of pumpkin heaven, ponder the purpose of your family reunion.

Is your bountiful feast simply an excuse to become as stuffed as the bird before your eyes? Is it to see unfamiliar faces seated around an elaborate cornucopia? Or is it to celebrate the discovery of an incredibly diverse nation and give thanks to various gods bestowing us with vitality and animation?

As a 5-year-old in kindergarten, I was persuaded to list at least 10 items I was thankful for during turkey season. I thought long and hard and sincerely scribbled down that I was thankful for my pet frog who mundanely floated from side to side in her rectangular tank in my room. Although my priorities were out of order as a naïve youth, I think that I was on the right track. It appears that the older we get — especially in teen years — the more selfish and gluttonous we become during Thanksgiving. As the ride board becomes cluttered with beggars who need a hitch home, pause to see if you may be heading in a helpless freshman’s route north. Take a moment to wish your roommates a safe and happy trip home instead of hastily plunging your precious key into the lock and slinking off to catch a leaving ride. We need to open our minds, donate canned foods and time at local soup kitchens and seriously ponder what it is we are thankful for as citizens in America.

Are you thankful that you are passing macroeconomics this semester? Are you thankful that you haven’t caught the flu or numerous other illnesses that meander through the JMU campus? Life, friends, family and health should be on your mind instead of luscious cranberry sauce, moist cornbread and homemade broccoli casserole. Particular attention should be paid to life, especially as an American college student. The opportunity to receive a higher education does not pounce on every high school graduate. Be appreciative. Although my pudgy 5-year-old fingers have been replaced with slender adolescent ones plunking out these sentences on my laptop keyboard, I will always reflect upon what I am thankful for during Thanksgiving and the rest of the year. Relish your week at home with your family and cherish the inviting embrace of your own pillow and relaxing sandal-free shower. Have a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to say a prayer for the sacrificed turkey gleaming in the center of your dining room table.

Carolyn Telesco is a freshman psychology major.