Happy Thanksgiving Douglas County 4-H

Hello Douglas County 4-H families,

'Tis the season to be thankful and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

As I consider what it means to be thankful, my mind wanders to two classmates from high school. I am thankful to have connected with these people through social networking because while neither was a best friend in school, I love knowing how they are doing and what's been going on for the last 20+ years.

And then one day recently, the husband of one of these friends contracted H1N1. He rapidly declined and was hospitalized. His kidneys started failing and he had to go on dialysis. In a few short days, he went from a healthy normal life full of the usual things to a sudden and unexpected passing. His wife, my classmate, was devastated and lost - and still is - yet she continued to thank those around her. Her family and friends were there every step of the way.

My other friend, a year younger than me, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 18. He died November 23, this week of Thanksgiving. When his friends learned of his diagnosis, what happened? They rallied around him and organized a fundraiser on his behalf, a fun day of bowling, live band music, laughing, hugging, and support - as it turned out, 8 days before he passed away.

These are both devastating and shockingly sudden situations. And yet I witnessed profound thankfulness and gratitude during these hardships. Both classmates held strong to optimism even in their sorrow, drew their friends and family closer, took the time to tell these people thank you, and caused those around them to join together as one strong and gracious and connected group.

I can ask for no better reminders that focusing on gratitude, and indeed making it the very foundation of my life, will bring only the most positive and profound results for everyone around me.

So I say to you, be thankful. Be thankful for your parents, even if you're grounded - because they love you. Be thankful for your grandparents every day you have them - they may be with you only a short time. Be thankful for your kids, even when their boundless energy wears you out - because it's good to remember that we too had boundless energy! Be thankful for your coworkers - because variety really is the spice of life and the challenges they present make you grow. Be thankful for paperwork (this is a hard one for me!) - because that's what makes your paycheck happen, your insurance pay your medical costs, and your kids to be enrolled in 4-H.

Thank you all.

Melody

Timely re-post: The Art of Gratitude and 4-H

This was originally posted March 4, 2008. It is something that we feel strongly enough about that we wanted to post it again. We're seeing some changes in Douglas County that are happening in large part because hard-working 4-H volunteers and long-time sponsors do not receive thank you's or any expression of gratitude. Did all of you thank ALL those who deserved it this last 4-H year?

"What is gratitude? The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as a noun meaning the state of being grateful; thankfulness. This is a most basic definition, but gratitude is so much more, don’t you think?

Gratitude is taking the time to reflect upon your blessings, appreciate what you already have, give to others without expectations, and notice the small things that make the world a beautiful place.

The 4-H program values gratitude. A basic tenet is that 4-H members thank the many volunteers and contributors that make the program a success.

Without volunteers, we would have no project leaders willingly sharing knowledge. There would be no superintendents spending hours and hours making sure activities and functions happen. There would be no sponsors providing financial assistance so that 4-H members receive belt buckles, trophies, and monetary awards.

In short, 4-H volunteers and contributors are our blessings.

Have you thanked them? Did you send each and every sponsor a formal thank you note after last year’s fair? Do you tell your leaders thank you at meetings? How do you show your gratitude in the 4-H Program?"

“In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy.” Albert Clarke

Thank you 4-H community!

Doesn't it seem like a simple "thank you" is rare these days? How often do we acknowledge the bagger at the grocery store, the person who delivers our newspapers, and those who clean our offices after we leave for the day? And let's not forget the people in charge of cleaning public restrooms - talk about a tough and unappreciated job! I could be more appreciative myself.

With this in mind, I want to thank the Douglas County 4-H community for your patience while I learn the ropes, your quick responses when I have asked for volunteers, and for providing photos and information when I've needed it.

It's a pleasure to work with you.

Melody