I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was what they needed in these “interesting times”.

Turns out the Captain I’m flying with lives in Seattle, but is from here, and he invited me to join his family today. I demurred, because he was being polite, and I didn’t want to be in the way. He insisted, so I went.

His mom, 84 was there. She lost her house and almost everything in it a year ago. His Three brothers (two lost houses) and his sister (significant damage to hers) were there with their children and grandchildren. Didn’t once hear any of them complain or moan today.

I haven’t read or seen any news about this area in a while, but things are still a mess – not so much physically, but now, more financially. Frankly, I grew a little sick of the story and what I percieved as whining.

But wow, what a train wreck. Where Mississippi has already doled out all the Federal Aid alloted to them, it is a different story here. This area, which used to take a certain kind of pride in their corrupt politicians, is now paying the piper. “The Road Home to Louisiana” is the name of the fund that the federal dollars went into. Residents have to put in an application and show work permits to prove they are ready to rebuild their homes. So far, they have recieved >180,000 applications and (I just saw this on the news tonight) so far, one year later, they have cut 81 checks. 81.

So tonight I am thankfull for a family that took in a complete stranger. I’m thankful that my family was free to worship, and travel and gather without fear. I’m thankful that I’m free to “assemble” in a place like Lex’s, with people with whom I agree (and sometimes don’t). And I’m thankful for the sacrifices – some small, some immense – that individuals and families make for our great country and for their neighbors every day.

God bless you all tonight and god bless our country. Say a small prayer for the folks down here please.

Nose