Thanksgivings

Dear Ones,

Today was not a day I had planned to write this post. It has been stewing for weeks, but not yet realized, so I have been hiding from it, withdrawn, really. However, Thanksgiving Day and our worship service led for the first time by our Seminary Intern, Eugene Ansah, from Ghana, with his family in proud attendance, plugged me into some deep musings, apparently.

In this magnificent America, we have such excess that we have a difficult time consciously "counting all our blessings." One analysis I particularly enjoyed recently was made by a commentator who remarked on the responses of children when asked to tell those things for which they were most thankful--not an electronic gadget in anyone's list. There were parents, and friends, and teachers, and family, and babies, and puppies and guppies and sunshine and snowflakes, not a Wii in the lists. So, we do get it right, if we let our childlike love overtake our grown up cool.

Recently, I have had more than a few things going on in my life that I would be thankful not to have had. But, oh, my, haven't there been some wonderful ones as well. For starters, all of the magnificent, passionate, dedicated, warm new friends I have made over the last two years are cherished by me, and will be forever.

I think the reason I have refused to start this task of love is that I know that I won't put all the precious thoughts into anything I ever do, here or anywhere, and will, therefore, disappoint someone, even when I have "finished" with the last of these thoughts. But, for those of you who do not know, a bit of background is essential. I adored, idolized, depended upon totally, my precious Daddy, as did my then husband. Daddy, Ham, died of a brain tumor way too young when my son was just a wee one. Daddy took over every room he entered just by being there. He never met a stranger; never failed to tell a friend how much he loved them, repeatedly and regularly; shook hands as though he needed to get your heart pumping; never missed a funeral; never had a friend want for anything he had; knocked heads when needed, hard; and had few folks I ever met who did not love him like I did. In Daddy's world there were certain inviolate commodities: honor, your word ("is your bond," he would say), honesty, dependability. He always required them of himself, and worked hard to ensure that these things ruled my world, too. I think he succeeded, for the most part. But, over time, I have wondered if he were as often disappointed in those around him as I am.

So, my faith in all of us has been ratcheted way up by you with whom I have been traveling life's paths for this last good while. You are dependable; you are honorable; your word has been your bond; you have taken better care of others than of yourselves; you have shown concern for all of us that is too seldom seen; you have been honorable and trustworthy, loveworthy, and I Thank YOU.

Many of you I did not know, at all, or only slightly. Jonathan M. Hurst was just another pretty boy I saw as a casual friend as I ran about in my political world and one I knew many in the State Legislature trusted and counted upon. Pretty, indeed. Never have known a more honorable, faithful, trustworthy, brilliant, dedicated, passionate, decent man in my life. He is now my treasured friend, and I pray, always will be.

Jerry and Charlotte Ann Lundergan were folks I knew through those friends and acquaintences we had in common. They come as a lovely package but each is so special in his and her own way. Jerry is made of strong stuff, very strong stuff. There is no "back up" or "let you down" in him, even when logic and expediency would dictate otherwise, or even when he is begged to take the easier path. He absolutely always "has your back," even if he might want to kill you over something you know he would not appreciate having to clean up, and never even mentions that fact in the process. There are no gentlemen whose friendship I treasure more. I hope he always will include me on "his team," whatever that may be and wherever he may be leading. Charlotte Ann is unique, period. She works hard and loves harder. She is Jerry's rock, as she has been mine. She is even prettier on the inside than she is on that beautiful outside. No wonder they have a family full of elegant, brilliant women--they just follow the path Charlotte Ann marked for them.

Wow! The "Girls." We started small and grew huge, along with all the "Boys." Our earliest group: My rock, Dolores Delahanty, without whose help and backbone transplants I would have faltered so many, many times, what a Gal!; and Tina Ward-Pugh (who responded to my first post: "Count me in to do WHATEVER it takes to get Hillary elected" and then, didn't she); Iris Samson, who kept encouraging me no matter what came our way; Debbie Rodman Lawther (who also got us going in the UK); Virginia Woodward (who stood so tall in Denver under horrible, unacceptable pressure); and Kathleen Campisano (whose early input was so helpful and who then worked from California after her move).

But, from the start, we had people who rearranged their lives, sometimes on a moment's notice, to work for the good of everyone, the Team. I'll start on that segment soon, I hope, as I don't want to do any part when I am "finished" writing for that time. But, for now, a constant from the first event in September on through this minute is a "Girl" we met for the first time at the Red Room, one who never, ever has said no when asked: Jennifer J. RoBards. She still is the lifeblood which keeps us beating along with our monthly meetings. Like my Daddy, she has no quit in her, either, and her word and heart are dead on dependable!

Don't forget to return in kind all the love you get, "in spades;" throw away and try to forget all the hurt which comes your way; Laugh out loud, often; call a friend instead of shedding any tears; be a friend; be Thankful.

All of you are treasures, each one, not just to me, but to us all. Thank you.

Love and Happy Thanksgiving, Olivia Anne

Twas the Night Before

Twas the Night Before November 4, 2008, the date we have known for what seems like forever will be an historic election.  If you need a reminder of what we are about, we Americans, just turn to CNN and watch world news; there is no other country like ours, never has been.  We are unique; we are special; we are the crucible of democracy and that never has been clearer than this cycle.  Our entire history has been one of striving for the best of human nature while fighting against those things which show us at our worst.  So, tomorrow when you take yourself to your polling place, whether it is to vote, or vote protect, steal a moment to take in the majesty of what you are privileged to do. . . . AND, then cast the vote that you in your heart and head discern best will protect our past successes and lead to our brighter future; a future which will restore us to that shining city on the hill, the guide to the world.  This has been a long, powerful, emotional, memorable, difficult season.  Have faith; have heart; have hope.  God Bless America, and each and every one of you with whom I have been honored  to trod this path.  And, for me, I especially will remember that Hillary Sent Me to Send Bruce to Washington.  He needs every one of you to give him your vote.  We did Work Harder, and we did good in the process, don't you think?  Always, Olivia Anne

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