In 1971 I was in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. My high school drama teacher arranged to take some of the students to the city to see several shows, and we stayed in the Time Square Motor Hotel. It wasn't exactly a high class hotel, and I believe it was condemned not long after we were there.
The most interesting thing about the trip was the fact that we were not required to stay together as a group. The teacher just told us where to meet each afternoon and we were turned loose. I rode a subway, went to Macy's, ate from a hot dog cart, wandered around Broadway, and toured Central Park. I don't think we could get by with that these days, but all of us survived.
The highlight of my trip though, was not the big Thanksgiving parade. It wasn't even the Broadway shows. In fact, I barely remember either. What I do remember is the first time I stood at the base of the Statue of Liberty. I just stood there a long time and looked up in awe. Then I climbed the spiral stairs and looked out the windows in the crown. I'll never forget that moment.
This Thanksgiving I have a new never forget moment. It was on October 1, 2010 when I was told "The preliminary report says it is Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma."
Thanksgiving is a little different after being told you have cancer. You still enjoy the turkey and dressing, you laugh at the weirdness of the relatives, and you still pretend to like watching football. But deep down your prayer of Thanksgiving is very personal.
Today I am grateful for a successful surgery. I am grateful for scientific advancement, and for the skill of my doctors as they continue to treat me.
I am grateful that I can still enjoy pumpkin pie.
But most of all I am grateful for the people in my life that surround me with love and hold me in their thoughts and prayers.
I am blessed.
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