The Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching. Some people are celebrating this weekend which I think is a really good idea; why not give the Thanksgiving season more than a one day thought?
Every year I hear a few people complain about how early stores and radio stations begin the Christmas season and I understand where they are coming from, but personally I think Thanksgiving and Christmas are so closely related that neither can truly be overshadowed or celebrated too early.
Both holidays are about people — their relationships, love and gratitude. Everyone has family on their mind even if they cannot physically be together. We reminisce past holidays when we were children and fondly remember our relatives. We become grateful for our holiday traditions and the yesteryears we’ve experienced.
I know it’s easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of this season, but pies, trees, presents are just fluff. People are the important stuff. Anyone who has experienced a family crisis knows all too well just how minor a sale or tree can be.
If you are finding it difficult to get into the spirit of the season consider this question: What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you were grateful for today?
Among all the things I take for granted on a daily basis I am most grateful for all the prayers, support and thoughtfulness of others. I had my first follow up mammogram since my breast cancer diagnosis and surgery, and the test results came back clear.
Upcoming events:
Tonight the Modern Mother’s Quarter Auction will be held at the Stillwater Valley Golf Course.
Thursday: Open to the Public Bid Euchre Tournament at the Versailles Vets Club beginning at 7 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee. Questions can be directed to Ralph or Diane Kunk at 937-526-3358.
Karaoke: Nov. 23 at the Vets Club, Nov. 26 at the Keyhole in Newport, Dec. 2 and 3 at the Vets Club.
Thanksgiving dinner: On Nov. 24 El Sombrero at 1700 North County Road 25A in Troy, offers a free to the public Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. First Presbyterian at 114 East Fourth Street in Greenville, also offers a meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Christmas open houses: The House of Flowers in Versailles will hold its open house on Dec. 2. From noon to 5 p.m. there will be a Christmas drawing, refreshments and 10-minute chair massages for customers.
Birthday wishes to Missy Voisard, Brett Pulfer, Deb Pohl, Brooke Timmerman, Bryan Bartram, Paige Gehret (9), Carmen Hartzell, Phyliss Davis, David Fine, Alma Kissinger, Cindy Shadoan, Chastity Rinderle, Deb Stewart, Amanda Milbourne, Scott Monnin, Denise Ruhenkamp, Barb Marshal, Toni Schafer, Shawn Daugherty, Shirley Goldschmidt, Cole Ausborn, Shirley Eiting, Pam Groff, Rachel Schmitmeyer, Pat Dieringer, Monica Knapke, Tom Petitjean, and Rita Buschur (90), as their birthdays approach. Happy belated birthday wishes to Father Ronald Haft and anniversary wishes to Erin and Keith Horst (2), Mallory and Ben Schmitmeyer (9), Donna and Russ Francis (20), Susan and Doyle Derr (25), Gary and Pamela Goettemoeller (25), Cindy and Ralph Dapore (27), Brenda and Tom Dirksen (27), Eileen and Jim Prenger (34), Cindy and Sherman Lewis (36), Karen and John Davis and Mary Jean and Paul Meyer (50).
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Squirt Marshal, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Cheryl Huelskamp, Sally Monnin, Sondra Spangler, Kathy Wespiser, Angie Keiser, Mary Barga, Zane Francis, Theresa Turner, Al Bliss, Regina Fischer, Wilma Didier, Anabelle Subler, Steve Grilliot, Lavern Brunswick, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Alan Stammen, Cameron Magoto, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Levadia Barga, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, Lois Youngker, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized or home-bound.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Tonya Moore (56), Joe Keller (76), Loretta Stocker (82), Paul Cordonnier (87), Andrew Moeller (91); also remembering the lives of Karen Coverstone, Mary Davidson, Richard Michael, Marybel Weaver, Alice Boring, Don Oswalt, Dale Simon, Marjorie Rethman, Roger Wackler, Tom Siegel, Helen Bruner Brown, Margaret Bixler, Carol Bundschuh, Joe Vencill, Norman Gigandet, Ruth Marshal, Laveda Payne and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.
“Gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have than what you don’t.” ~Unknown
“Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ~William Arthur Ward
“To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~Calvin Coolidge
