(Editor’s Note: I was supposed to post this on Monday – Sorry Harry)
Thanksgiving Day in Canada, Monday, Oct. 9 is a time to celebrate. For most producers, the last two years have been tough. For some, it goes back even further than that, but with this year’s crops, for the most part, bursting grain bins at the seams, it’s time to sit back and celebrate. Yes, I know the people raising hogs are having their struggles, too, but you want to know something, keep on trucking.
Yes, I also know the prices for most commodities are low, and at today’s levels you can’t pay all the bills, even with good to great crops. However, you do have crop in the bin, this year’s growing season, except for areas having too little rain in July and August was almost ideal for putting in the crop, spraying, and for taking it off. It’s time to sit back, and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Don’t take your family for granted, and enjoy this time together. I’m not sure how you will celebrate Thanksgiving Day, but for us, there will be one empty spot at the table because our oldest daughter Lynn moved to Vancouver. That leaves Laurelle, our 13-year old, my wife Judith, and myself.
Having just come through, or I may still be in the midst of it, suffering from a disease that comes from eating too much, too little exercise, and kills too many people annually, I will eat the turkey, ham or beef, but will leave the trimmings and deserts for someone else. To get another chance at getting my self into shape makes me thankful, indeed. Being part of a large extended family, a mother-in-law still living in her house, is also a reason to be thankful. This gives us a place where we can get together as often as we want, and express our thankfulness throughout the year.
The ability and privilege of working in the field of agricultural communications, posting to AgWired.Com, farm reporting if you like, at the magical age of almost 60 [I haven’t necessarily felt the magic yet], and enjoying it as much as I did the day I started some 36 years ago, is also a reason to be thankful, thankful indeed. To me, Thanksgiving Day, and every day of the year is a little brighter because of my faith in God, and a personal relationship with Him. For that, I’m most thankful, often realizing it would be so difficult to go on some days, without that most important part of my life.
Here’s wishing you a Blessed Thanksgiving Day, and every day of the year from Harry, Judith, Lynn, and Laurelle.