Truman Capote wrote a perfect companion for the Thanksgiving holiday.  In the story, The Thanksgiving Visitor, his memorable characters embark on a series of adventures that shape the relationships of all involved.  His eccentric character, Miss Sook, counsels the others on patience and understanding.  Filled with emotions that are universal to everyone, this poignant story brings to life what we all should cherish and be thankful for--the gifts of friendship, family and love.

     To me, Thanksgiving is the holiday that has been the least commercialized.  Sure, it's good for the airlines, those who produce turkey and cranberry sauce, and Hallmark and others who sell some greeting cards, but beyond that, there isn't very much commerical hype involved.  In fact, out of all of our holidays, I think that Thanksgiving is the one that people from a hundred years ago would most identify as being celebrated today much like they celebrated it in the past.

     Allow me to share with you one of my favorite Thanksgiving memories.  My family has a wonderful, goofy, lovely and sometimes uncomfortable ritual every year where we go around the table and everyone says what they are thankful for.  We often have someone who is outside of our immediate family with us.  Sometimes it's a distant cousin or a friend who is visiting us.  One year my older brother had a friend from school joining us.  Chamal was a quiet guy and found this type of ritual amusing and painfully awkward at the same time.  We got halfway around the table with everyone stating the usual suspects that they are thankful for, such as family, friends and health.  Then we get to Chamal.  He looked around the room and says very quietyly, "air conditioning".  He added, "Think about it, how uncomfortable the summers would be if we didn't have air conditioning?  I'd have trouble sleeping at night and driving around in those hot cars would be unbearable.  Thank God we invented air conditioning."  That was a classic answer but in the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

     I know not every family gathering is picturesque, not every table is luscious, and not every family relationshikp is harmonious.  Too often we get caught up in our own lives, and the day to day running about.  It's nice to dedicate a day to getting together with loved ones, having a good time, and giving thanks for all the good that we have in our lives.  My kids and I will get caught up in the excitment of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and spending the day with family and relatives, and of course the huge dinner so elaborately assembled with love.  I give thanks to many things in my life.  Your friendship is one of them!

     On behalf of the SHRM-LI Family, we wish the very best to you and yours this Thanksgiving.

Doug Silverman - SHRM-LI President