A list of things I’m thankful for

Earlier this fall our church choir director passed out a new piece of music entitled "Native American Thoughts" by Sherri Porterfield. The lyrics are attributed to Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. As soon as I read his words, I knew they are worth a newspaper column. 

"When you arise in the morning," he said, "give thanks for the morning light . . . give thanks for your life and strength, for your food and the joy of living."

And Tecumseh continued, "If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies within you."

So, as my 73rd Thanksgiving approaches, I give thanks for a lot of people, places and things that make life the adventurous trip it is, including four perfect grandchildren, all of whom live in the same city again and who are beckoning me westward . . 

Warm pumpkin pie topped with Cool Whip . . . Charlie Coyote . . . the uniqueness of South Dakota where, no matter where you go, you can find somebody who knows somebody you know . . . Notre Dame football, especially in an autumn like this one . . . the hometown newspaper in the mailbox each week . . . fellow walkers who look me in the eye and say "Hello" or "Good morning" as we pass on the sidewalk . . . the Black Hills Playhouse, "new" and better than ever . . . deviled eggs . . . "Les Miserables," awful story but magnificent music . . . election nights.