Those No Longer with Us
Norman Rockwell [Public domain] This Thursday, people across the US will sit down with family and friends to celebrate the holiday we have come to know as Thanksgiving. Besides all the preparation going into cooking, many families enjoy the day by watching the traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, while others might bundle up for a rousing game of football played at the local high school. Still others might be enjoying the pro ball found on cable. Thing is, this is the Norman Rockwell version of Thanksgiving. While I really enjoy Rockwell's work, I believe he did us no favors in portraying this day as completely blissful. For many, it is far from the idyllic scene he painted. So, as those of us who will enjoy the day with family and friends sit before the bounty on our tables, let us think of those who will not be celebrating with us. Whether through death or distance, hold those whose chairs stay empty on Thursday in your thoughts an...