Stretch yourself a bit this Thanksgiving

By Judy Miller Gerard

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 | midnight

As we stand on the threshold of Thanksgiving this year, let's pay particular attention to those closest to us in our family and circle of friends and take the time to let them know how much we appreciate them.

And then, let's stretch ourselves a bit and go a little further afield. There are many people in our lives whom we take for granted, without whom life would be difficult, or at least not as convenient. And in some cases, our present lifestyle simply would not be possible.

Who are these people? This would be a good table topic to do at your Thanksgiving dinner, calling to mind all those people who take care of your everyday needs regarding your person, your home, your children, your pets, your medical care, your yard, your car, your plumbing, your electrical needs, etc. They are the people who come when you call for help with something you either don't know how to do, or simply don't want to, or when you have an emergency situation.

"Well, they get paid." you say. Of course they get paid. Why shouldn't they? It is their livelihood and their means of taking care of their families, as is your work your means of taking care of your family. And it does not diminish the importance of their service to you.

Who are these people, we ask? In each of our lives, the list will be somewhat different, but I'll help you get started by listing some general categories that probably are an important part of each of our worlds, and then I'm sure you'll think of others to add to this starter list.

Emergency response personnel: 911, paramedics, police and firefighters.

Medical personnel: Doctors, nurses, lab, X-ray and other diagnostic teams, physical therapists, pharmacists and veterinarians.

Mail carriers: Postal Service and UPS.

Teachers, librarians, child care providers, babysitters, caregivers, pet care providers.

Priests/pastors of our churches who provide spiritual care.

Personal care: Barbers, hairdressers, cosmeticians, massage therapists.

Secretarial and bookkeeping and other services in businesses and offices.

Repair and maintenance/service for yards, homes and cars.

Local business owners who provide convenient service and products we need/want.

Musicians, artists, writers, publishers.

Pretty interesting, isn't it, all the people involved in our everyday world who make our life better in one way or another, and on whom we depend? It might be nice to acknowledge our appreciation now and then, if only with a word of thanks.

And last, but certainly not least, let us call to mind the members of the Armed Services of the United States who sacrifice much to keep our beloved country safe. If you happen to know a service family whose husband/father is away this Thanksgiving, why don't you think of something you can do to make this time less lonely for them.

Judy Miller Gerard is a Henderson senior and can be reached c/o the Home News, 2360 Corporate Circle, Third Floor, Henderson, NV 89074; by fax at 434-3527 or e-mail at [email protected].