In recent weeks, the trek to work has been nothing short of incredible.
Sunrises witnessed from the hills of Erin and Caledon are rarely the same spectacle twice. Gentle mists interrupt the glare of the sun intermittently as do clouds in the distance, meandering across the sky. And then without warning, mighty maple groves in the distance become a sea of colour as the sun rises further from its slumber.
Without fail, in the moment, a thought of thankfulness washes over us. Some people never get to see sunrises like this, and those who once did, are no longer here to enjoy them.
Thanksgiving weekend means many things to many people. For us it’s always been about spending time outdoors, marveling at the wonderment of nature. Gathering up squash, gourds and ornamental corn – or even better, digging potatoes from their earthen bed, is an exercise in wonder about all the shapes, sizes and colours encountered. Yes, science can explain each step and the reason crops grow, but we find for ourselves the randomness of nature and its beauty mesmerizing.
This celebration of harvest and bounty continues throughout Thanksgiving weekend as the Erin Fall Fair swings into gear. Agriculture remains at the core of the fabulous show put on by the Erin Agricultural Society each October. There, revealed and awarded honours, is the work of residents who toiled throughout the season to grow the finest of produce, the finest of livestock and feed in the area.
Vendors and the midway draw crowds of all ages and interests, who almost always leave happier having spent time in this historical Irish town, with its green shamrocks and good cheer.
On the surface of it, much of what we see worthy of thanks this time of year are simpler things. Perhaps that speaks to a mindset more intrigued by the world around us, and its inexplicable beauty, than manufactured manifestations. This is at least what Thanksgiving weekend has always afforded us: a time of reflection out on the farm far from tragedies that currently beset the world.
As an example, armed conflicts continue around the globe. Canadians remain isolated from senseless deaths and destruction, although most of us have friends with relatives directly impacted by military actions in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Thankfulness that we don’t have to deal with these issues directly, should never excuse being aware of the human toll and destruction overseas. The extent of devastation to housing and basic health needs is astounding. Such circumstances lead to other issues, despite wars coming to a close. Rebuilding these war-torn zones will cost trillions, as will regaining health care within the population.
We can also be thankful that our largest worry with the weather is a bit of rain or cool days. This fall has been incredible. Folks impacted by recent hurricanes in the southern U.S. have lost everything. Complete communities have been erased and while federal funding may be on the way, there is the interim pain of sorting out accommodations and school for kids.
Although inflation seems to have waned, many Canadians still have hefty bills and some rely on food banks. The housing crisis, despite politicians of all stripes offering solutions, continues unabated.
As part of being thankful, Canadians should be lending support when they can to others that need a hand up. With the prevailing wisdom that financial independence equates to six months of payments in the bank, we hazard to guess tough times are possible for most people.
Be thankful.
Enjoy time with loved ones and celebrate Canada’s bounty.
