Reasons for gratitude

Do you get as aggravated as I do when constantly hearing people complain about everything? The government is corrupt, the judicial system is way off balance, all teenagers are on drugs and, my personal favorite, there is absolutely nothing to watch on TV any more.

Give it up, guys!

If you're complaining about our government, be sure to vote the next election. That way you'll be sure your voice is heard. If you don't vote because you believe one can't make a difference, please don't gripe about what you get.

As far as the judicial system goes, when was the last time you served on jury duty when called? Did you try everything and finally get out of it? Got news for you, folks. It's the only system we have. Here again, it's up to us to do our best to make it work.

T

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eenagers are all on drugs? Give me a break. These young people are our future. Don't turn your backs on them because of a few bad apples. I love young people. Always have. We need to have faith that this new generation will be the ones to carry on our government and judicial system in such a way that we will no longer complain quite so much.

Don't tell me there's nothing on TV. You must be one of the few homes in America without cable. Look a little harder. There's always something decent to watch. Try public TV once in a while or even Arts & Entertainment. Just stop complaining about it! Either that, or sell your TV.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I'd like to personally talk about some things I'm grateful for this season of Thanksgiving:

My family comes first, of course. As it should with all of us. We may have a few kinks here and there but, all in all, we support one another and know we can call on help when needed.

My circle of friends. You guys know who you are. There's one special friend, Susy. She has been my rock through everything for the past 35 years. Then there's the alumni group. Can't say what alumni because that might ruffle some feathers. We all worked together years ago and keep in contact on a regular basis. We meet for dinner about once a month whenever somebody's birthday comes up, and it's then we pour out our hearts. Plus, I know any of them will listen to me if need be on a one-on-one basis.

I am extremely grateful for my animals. We have one who is 14 years old, obstinate, cranky at times and still eats like a little pig. Then there's Sandy, a 60-pound stray whatever who showed up at our door two years ago. She is the light of my life even though untrainable. She and I both flunked obedience school.

I love my SUV. Yeah, go ahead and complain about my little gas-guzzler. It gets me where I need to go, I feel safe driving it and, best of all, my grandchildren love it.

Speaking of grandchildren, they are definitely included in the first item, but they do need to be mentioned again. Those two kids are great. Jay is now 12, sharp as a tack, and has even started writing a little. He's on the honor roll and plays a mean game of soccer. Sarah is ten, sweet as candy, and a great cuddler. She, too, is on the honor roll, plays tennis and cheerleads.

ll in all, I have a great life. I try not to complain too much, but if you catch me at it, please remind me of what I just wrote.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everybody!

(Pat Fickle is a Martinez resident.)