– there is always something & someone to be thankful for; take the time
to recognize & appreciate those real things & moments…
It will make you smile!
As an extension of the above sentiments, below is an email received yesterday from my friend Bob Kemp, the owner of Oaktree Products, Inc. (and my place of employment) that I felt was very fitting to share:
Margy and I have friends in Washington, IL, a town recently devastated by a tornado in November. We drove up to help them not really knowing what to expect. I have never seen the aftermath of such a storm and you simply cannot describe it. Photos do not do justice to what you see when you are there in person. I was amazed by the generosity that strangers displayed and the spirit of those affected. Our friends, their children and pets were all safe and sound. Is sounds so cliché but you always hear, “you can replace all of the things but you cannot replace the lives”. That was the thing that was so clear to me as I stood looking at all of the wreckage. Even the most beautiful object is just another “object” when it is broken and covered in mud and drywall dust. They can all be replaced. What matters is family and friends. Thanksgiving will be special for me this year. We all have so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Life throws all of us a curve ball. While taking the time to be thankful my not make the crappy stuff go away, it does bring a moment of peace when you truly appreciate things that can easily be taken for granted. I am so thankful to be employed by Bob and Margy Kemp of Oaktree Products who “get it” when it comes to the important things in life; they have given me the opportunity to be in Boulder, CO with my sister and her family for an extended period of time during a time of need. This Thanksgiving will also be super special for me. So, as a small favor, please take the time to stop and think about the things for which you are truly thankful. And, by all means, share! It will make both of us (and everyone else reading this post) smile! Happy Thanksgiving.
This Thanksgiving is extra special this year because I get to have both my parents here in St. Louis to celebrate. My parents live abroad so I don’t get to see them that often and when they do come in town, it makes me cherish those moments that much more. I’m so grateful to them for always being there for me, even when they can’t always physically be here. This is also my first year working at Oaktree, I’m EXTREMELY thankful to Bob and Margy!!!
Having lost a dear friend in a tragic car accident one year ago Dec. 6th, makes me very thankful for all of the family and friends God has blessed me with. Although He had other plans for my friend Fran, keeping her memory alive in my heart is what I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving! Don’t ever forget to hug someone and tell them how much they are loved – life can change in an instant!
This year I am thankful to my aunt and family. My aunt has been the rock for my terminally ill uncle over the last 10 years. I’ve seen her unconditional love, in sickness and in health and it makes me really appreciate the ones I care most about.
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Not only is it my favorite holiday meal (turkey, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes 🙂 ) but because it is a holiday not consumed with gifts or frills. It is simply a day that you gather with your family and friends to share a meal, share stories and enjoy one another’s company. It is a day to appreciate your loved ones, share your gratitude, and reflect on your blessings. I wish I took the time more often to tell the people in my life how thankful I am for them. Happy Thanksgiving!
Totally agree Alison!
Thanks for sharing Gail; you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
This week has made me really appreciate how precious life truley is. I lost a really good friend at 62. I am thankful for all my friends and family especially all my friends at Oaktree
Barb, so sorry for your loss; good friends are indeed a treasure. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend with everyone. Hope to see you soon.
Thanks for your this post, AU. So fitting and puts things into perspective. Your name came up with two of my AuD students yesterday. Both are getting otoscopes for the holidays this year. One commented on how helpful your posts were and the other was talking about becoming registering at Oaktree as a student so she could get the otoscope. Both commented on what a wonderful business Oaktree was and commented on you and your warmth and willingness to support others and the profession that they are growing to love. So, please know that many of us are thankful for the Kemps, for Oaktree, and for you! Hope you have a very special Thanksgiving with your family.