Remembering to Give Thanks

This has been a tough year. Right out of the gate in February with the loss of my Dad and Grandmother, 2009 blasted me with cold winds which to date haven't let up much. The poor economy, some unexpected pitfalls and an unexpected rash of unhappy clientel piled on to the scene this year. A lousy economy will always bring out the worst in people so it was difficult for me to dig deep this year to see the good as I try to do each Thanksgiving as I give Thanks.

This year I give thanks to the legacy left by my Dad that lives in me. My Dad never intentionally hurt a living soul. Each day of my life I look to see if my actions can or do hurt another individual and if I feel they have or will I attempt to alter them. This by the way is not an easy feat for a trained advocate. However, an advocate does not need to be a bully. One of my Dad's many doctors made a statement to me when treating my Dad one day which has stayed with me. He said: "First do no harm." Of course he was referring to the Hypocratic Oath he took as a physician, but I see no reason why the rest of us cannot live by that credo in our daily lives.

If every one of us got up each day and said to ourselves, "Do no harm." the world would be a better place. Have I ever failed to adhere to this creed? I'm sure I have, but I can say in all honesty never did I do so with any intent. Besides the love of my friends and my family and the health of all those I hold dear, I am thankful for what my Dad has taught me. The legacy he started which I hope to continue in my daily life. "First, do no harm. Second try to do some good today."
I am thankful for the opportunity to try. Happy Thanksgiving!