Holidays are supposed to be festive.  Somehow, they tend to raise a surprising number of problems.  Whether with family, or gifts, things happen that suck the joy out of the good times.  But Thanksgiving is different.  It’s always been the one holiday where people seem to come together.

None of the things that tend to separate us comes into play on Thanksgiving.  At least not at my house.  Granted, there was the time my sister in law made the sweet potatoes with marshmallows, even though she was asked not to.  It sucked.  But we could laugh at it.  She was always good for a laugh, as long as we kept it where it belonged (behind her back).  No hurt feelings needed on Thanksgiving.

Eric the Turk wrote on  his blawg (where his holiday present is not doing the Personal Injury Law Round-Up anymore because it was a lot of work and nobody appreciated him)

It’s a safe bet that anyone reading this blog is more fortunate than most of the world’s population. So it’s a good time to count your blessings.

And be thankful you’re not a turkey.

Eric is very witty.  But he’s right.  In this business, criminal defense, we meet a lot of people who have problems.  Some well deserved, but others not.  We see the impact on families, on children, that other people who can enjoy their anti-criminal polemics from the comfort and security of a wood-paneled office do not.  Would it be possible for those of you who spend the rest of the year hating people to open up your hearts for once and feel a little empathy for others?  At the very least, be thankful that you’re not them.

Chances are slim that anyone will read this post, since this is one of those days that people find better things to do than sit at their computer.  So I assume that I’m writing this for myself and maybe the 3 other people who will spend a few minutes online today.  And the likelihood that anyone who should read this will do so is slim to none.  Oh well.  It costs me nothing to try.

By any measure, I have much to be thankful for.  By the measure of what I see through my professional eyes, I do not deserve to be so blessed.  I hope that the same it true for all of you.  There is terrible misery in the world, and by dint of your being able to read this post, you do not have to feel it.  Please have a happy Thanksgiving.

UPDATE:  It’s a gorgeous day on Long Island, sunny at mid 60s.  After watching my buddy Joe Tac doing the TV rounds on the Natalee Holloway disappearance, I’m taking the Austin Healey out for a breath of fresh air.  I really do have much to be thankful for.  I urge everyone to go out, get a classic British car, and drive a little.  There’s no better way to clear your head.