This week we are probably thinking about the things we are thankful for.
My husband, Chris, is grateful for all the wonderful goodies that we will eat, especially turkey sandwiches. I am grateful to our friend Betty Miller, who invited us to share the special Thanksgiving meal with her family.
We should all be appreciative that Rob Ford is not our mayor. I have frequently complained about the politicians from my two states. Louisiana and Mississippi are too often the object of jokes about people in power. But, really, I cannot remember a Southern mayor as outrageous as the mayor of Toronto.
In the past, I have referred to some office-holders as “buffoons.” After viewing the videos and quotes of Toronto’s mayor, I will have to search for another description. Ford has “out-buffooned” everyone else. (If anyone has been traveling around the universe, too far from this planet to have heard of him, please do not ask me to repeat any of his outbursts. I am a columnist, not a comedienne with a vocabulary suitable only for the roast of a D-list celebrity.)
Although I rely on email for so much of my communication, I am thankful for the “delete” button. I receive about 200 messages a day, most that I have no interest in. There are some messages that make me wish there were an “explode” button.
While we are on the subject of computers, I love, love, looove spell check, and the thesaurus. They both make my dyslexia almost indiscernible and help me to look smarter than I am.
We owe so much to the many local groups doing the work of angels. The Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society helps to place needy animals in “fur-ever” homes every day. My “children” all came from shelters. They fill my life with love and tons of laughs.
There are several other organizations in our area helping animals. Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary in Caledonia provides a safe place for all sorts of God’s creatures — from house cats, to lions, to horses — oh, my! Shaw Pit Bull Rescue works with abandoned and unloved dogs. They are another reason why “rescued” is my favorite breed.
Civitan is an international community service organization with a chapter in our area. Their emphasis is on helping children with developmental disabilities.
The Boys and Girls Clubs help kids plan for a happy future, with programs in education, character building, the arts and sports.
I wish I could list all of the generous groups that help to make the Golden Triangle a lovely place to live. Alas, there is just not enough space. Thank you, all!
I am extremely thankful for the wonderful people who read my column. For the last eight years I have been amazed to learn that anyone is still scanning my “scribbles” (a word I learned from my editor in the UK).
I send you all my very best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving Day; may it be filled with love and good health, and lots of leftovers.
Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina.
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