Sitting in my warm sunny kitchen this morning before the crowd arrives, alone and in utter silence, I began to think about what I am most thankful for this year.
I am thankful that I have always been surrounded by family and close friends that love me and who I love, in spite of our having differences of opinion or style or belief.
I am thankful for my good health, which enables me to continue to do the work that I love and feel passionate about. Fighting for the educational rights of children is the way I’ve chosen to make the world a better place.
I am thankful that I live in the United States where I can be outspoken about my disdain for many of our current political leaders; where I never have to be silent in the face of wrongdoing; and where I can still feel safe and protected by the fundamental rights and freedoms that I try not to take for granted.
I am thankful that the whole world was outraged by the murder of my fellow Jews at the Tree of Life Synagogue. That outrage gives me hope for humanity’s future.
Most of all, I am thankful for my inner strength, my moral compass, my sense of humor, and the very fact that I am hopeful and optimistic.
Sending all of you my sincere thanks from my warm sunny kitchen this Thanksgiving day. Hug your loved ones close—and eat too much turkey.
-Regina Skyer