Thanks

Do you remember learning the magic words? How about when you were given something, being asked “what do you say?” Since they could talk, my little grandchildren have been learning to say the words that ease social relations. How much nicer it is to deal with polite people—when they say the magic words. Of course, I’m talking about . . .

Like many people, I try to send thank you notes whenever I receive a gift. Note the word “try”. My intentions are always the best. But we all know where good intentions lead. With the ease of email, written thank you notes seem to be going the way of the dodo bird. Some givers bemoan this departure from "proper" etiquette, but as either a giver or recipient, I welcome it. A phone call, an email, a Facebook message or even a tweet works.

It’s fairly easy to remember to say (write) thanks for gifts. What about everyday situations? We say thanks for the kindnesses of strangers—the lady who held the door for us, the guy who noticed we only had two items and let us go ahead of him in the checkout line. But what about our families? Do we remember to say “Thanks for picking up your toys” Or “Thank you for bringing in the newspaper”? I don’t know about you, but the little expressions of politeness mean a lot to me. Since we’ve both been retired, Hubs and I (sort of) take turns preparing dinner. One of the nicest things he does when I cook is to say thanks for making dinner. No wonder I still like the guy.

On the fourth Thursday of November in the U.S. (the second Monday of October in Canada), we are reminded to give thanks. While it’s good to set aside a holiday, good to remind ourselves to be grateful for what we have—and more importantly who/what we are—maybe we should remember to use the magic words more often. So, I'm taking this moment to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you readers. Your comments have meant a lot to me. I so appreciate your support and encouragement.

As regular readers of my blog know, this Thursday I will be giving thanks for and to someone very special. Oh, heck, why wait? Thanks, sweetie, for the past forty years. Here’s to forty more.

How about you? What are your thoughts about giving thanks?