By MAGGIE ISHINO
It is sometimes difficult to be thankful when we have to cope with problems. I have arthritis in my knees, which causes pain and a problem in walking. I am thankful that by the grace of God, I am able to work, drive and take care of the essentials for survival.
One morning coming to work on the bus, there was a young man who appeared to be in his early 30s whose right leg was amputated from his knee down. He had his right-side pants leg folded. It was an effort for him to get off the bus with the two crutches. My heart went out to this young man, and seeing this made me realize there is always someone worse off than I.
When I send someone a birthday card including a monetary gift or a “surprise” package to one of my friends, I expect a “thank you” letter. This is because I want to make sure they received what was sent to them. I feel it is inexcusable not to acknowledge anything received. It is a matter of being thankful and courteous.
This acknowledgment should be made within a week and not two or three weeks later. It doesn’t take more than 10 minutes to write a “thank you” note. One doesn’t have to write their week’s activities in the letter!
I have always thanked my parents, siblings and friends for whatever they have done for me. My Mama always told me, “Never take kindness for granted and be thankful for every deed received.” I live by that philosophy today. You are probably thinking, “So what! We are all different! However! But!” etc., etc.
I believe pets are thankful for the things we do for them. For instance, my cat, Tika, appreciates the care I give her such as removing the discharge from her eyes twice a day, combing her fur, the food I give her, the clean litter box for her use, and petting her and talking to her. She thanks me by rubbing her cheek against the back of my hand and greeting me with a “mellow” meow.
I hope those who read this column had a happy Thanksgiving. It is indeed a special day for being thankful for family and friends, among many other things.
Every new day, be ye thankful and “praise God, from whom all blessings flow.”
AMEN and MEOW.
Maggie Ishino is a Rafu typist. She can be reached at mishino@rafu.com Opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of The Rafu Shimpo.