Thanksgiving Blues

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 11/28/24 at 7:08pm

What have we to be thankful for?

A lot, I know,  but the world is so fcked up right now. Here I am stuffing my face, watching movies, surrounded by loved ones… but meanwhile famine and genocide are happening somewhere else. I feel guilty. I was drinking beer and sitting back as a little child in Gaza wanders through rubble searching for her missing mother.

Shouldn’t I have given my every cent to Unicef?

Instead, I’m planning on seeing Wicked again at the weekend. Maybe buy some new shoes.

Do I really care?

Updated On: 11/28/24 at 07:08 PM

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 11/28/24 at 10:45pm

I will make this short and simple Jay. We should be thankful we are alive because our life means something to our family and friends. You are being idealistic about giving every cent to UNICEF, but I am willing to bet you try to give what you can to help people in need. You only have one life Jay so if going to see "Wicked" again or buying new shoes gives you some happiness, go for it and enjoy. There is nothing to feel guilty about having some fun.

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 11/29/24 at 11:58am

Thanks, Z. I was in a downbeat mood when I posted that. I feel better now. Still, I’m kinda dreading the upcoming Christmas vibe. 
 

If there was a crying emaciated 4 year old standing on the street outside our home, we would rush out to help. For some reason, if they’re far away, we couldn’t give a sh t.

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 11/30/24 at 9:50am

" Still, I’m kinda dreading the upcoming Christmas vibe."

I understand Christmas is a tough time for people who have no family and real friends. Sadly, it is not a joyous time for all. You are not religious so I will take this from the commercial aspect of Christmas. I get that maybe you are not into buying presents, singing Christmas songs and going to parties. That is fine, to each their own. I will act like your parent and say stop your "whining". There are plenty of things you can do during the holiday season instead of feeling sorry for yourself which is what you are doing IMO. My advice is get out there and buy a couple of toys and donate them to organization like "Toys for Tots". Go to a local soup kitchen on Christmas Day and serve meals to the homeless, my entire family did it one year and it felt good. Throw some money into the Salvation Army buckets that you will see this time of year. You always pontificate about people less fortunate then you so do something about it!!!

I will end this post with personal experience from a few of years ago. There were two sisters who had sat in front of us in church for many years and we got to know them a little bit. A few times we saw one of the sisters by herself at church and asked about her sister. Unfortunately, her sister got cancer and died about a year later right after Thanksgiving. I thought to myself that she would probably be alone that Christmas and my wife and I agreed to invite her to our house for Christmas dinner. We laughingly informed her that our three children and their spouses would be there, they are fairly outgoing and may be a bit overwhelming for a shy person. She thanked us and we were very happy when she accepted. My wife then went out and bought her a couple of presents, she figured she might not get a present from anyone else that year. She got her a scarf and necklace with a cross and the woman loved it. Moving forward, we always check in on her plans during Christmas and happy to report she has made knew friends and has had place to spend Christmas Day the last couple of years.

[kdogg36]

Posted: 11/30/24 at 10:24am

Jay Lerner-Z said: "If there was a crying emaciated 4 year old standing on the street outside our home, we would rush out to help. For some reason, if they’re far away, we couldn’t give a sh t."

I understand your sentiment, but it reminds me a little of a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode where Will Riker says something like, "Imagine what the world would be like if we mourned every death the way we mourn those who are close to us. It would be a much more compassionate place." Well, no, I don't think that's true at all; it would actually be a hellhole of constant suffering. 

Anyhow, I think we have to live our lives responsibly but fully. For instance, it wouldn't make any sense for all or most of us to give up our jobs to work for the Peace Corps or something similar. It would make the world dramatically poorer and result in more suffering, not less. I'm kind of rambling now but I try not to feel guilty as long as I'm not being too greedy.

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 12/2/24 at 12:33pm

You are both right.

”Put on your own mask first”, as they say,

I’m actually expecting a very happy holiday season, surrounded by people I love. That’s what makes me feel guilty! More food than I can eat, booze, gifts I don’t want or need etc.

I can’t help but think of wartorn starving children.

I’m considering asking my circle of gift-givers to make a donation to Doctors Without Borders instead.

 

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 12/2/24 at 12:37pm

P,S. Salvation Army are homophobic, so I can’t support them when they don ‘t support me! Sorry.

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 12/2/24 at 2:44pm

"P,S. Salvation Army are homophobic, so I can’t support them when they don ‘t support me! Sorry."

There are plenty of good groups Jay, not that hard to find. Donate to "Make A Wish" or "Children's Miracle Network", think they are very good organizations. I suggested donating toy for "Toys For Tots", giving child a present who may not get one is a nice thing to do. I have personally volunteered physically for "Habitat For Humanity" but even you are not able to do that, you can make donation. Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter were big advocates of them for many years. Giving money to a local humane society to help dogs/cats find a new home and be cared for is a neat thing to do. Once again, stop wallowing in pity and get out there and make a difference!!!

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 12/2/24 at 7:29pm

Good advice. I will!

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 12/8/24 at 9:47am

"Good advice. I will!"

Glad to hear it. Yesterday, I ran in the "Jingle Bell Jaunt" and had bunch of fun. It is 5K race every year, the first week of December. I think I have now run in it for 7 consecutive years. The proceeds from the registration fee ($25) goes to several local children's charities. After you finish the race, there are tables set up selling holiday treats and hot beverages with the money going to the same charities. One of the fun things about the race is people dressing in holiday clothes and colors. I wore my Santa hat during the race - ho ho ho. Final note, I was very happy with my time of 23:57.