The Season of Thanksgiving

A few weeks ago, as some of you know I got an ear infection. While it did cause me quite a bit of pain, it was cleared up in a matter of days. However, because I get ear infections more frequently than probably most infants, I decided it might be a good move to see a specialist. As many of you are probably aware, getting in to see a specialist takes a few weeks. In order to see my doctor back at home, I realized this would require me to miss either a day of class or a day of work.

Sitting in the doctor’s office today, I found myself thinking about the season and plans for next week. Naturally, I found myself finding things for which I am thankful. The stereotypical answers children normally give to this question popped into my head first—friends, family, food, etc. However, the more I thought about it the more I realized that the situation I was currently in was enough for me to be thankful for.

I am fortunate enough to not only be able to receive an education in which I will be able to do something I love, but I also have a job that I really enjoy and that pays higher than minimum wage. I am able to afford not only the things that I need, but also a few “wants” as well. Additionally, having the ability to see a specialist (let alone a regular doctor for basic health needs) is a greater blessing than I ever realized before. Since August, I have met new people and experienced new things that have made me realize how many people don’t have those same basic comforts that I have. After some quick searching on the internet, I found statistics that show that roughly 50.7 million (16.3%) of Americans don’t have health insurance and roughly 1 billion people worldwide cannot afford basic healthcare.

I think it is because of reasons such as this that I find the whole Occupy movement so intriguing. While I don’t consider myself to be very skilled or knowledgeable in the political arena, the poverty and hardships that many people face is absolutely unacceptable. With the gap between the rich and poor growing, I see that there is a sense of urgency in these matters and what I can do personally, I am still trying to figure out. However, I do know this—if you have access to food, clean water, family and friends who love you, basic healthcare, an education, etc. you have plenty to be thankful for this season.

"If living is the price to be free

Then I wish it was the same for everyone."

Elliott Yamin, "Find a Way"