Thanksgiving 2022 

Other years I have mentioned that today is a day about the past.

Instead of saying I am thankful for X, I want to see it in terms of awareness, and in some degree anger. Awareness encompasses more events than just positive ones.

I am aware of my family - my wife, our daughters, our two cats and two dogs. We are together, we have difficult and joyous moments. Moments that are just been near in a room, or never to far from a message, or driving somewhere in silence are enough.

I am aware of friends, who will jump to help us and will ask for our help if needed. Friends near and far in the internet, with who we will share jokes, quick comments and needs. Friends who we love.

I am aware of the grey areas and the complexity of human nature, I am aware I do not know everything, and that I need to constantly learn more.

I am aware and angry about transphobia, mass shooting, racism, anti-semitism, the desperate pledge of people in Ukraine and Iran.

I am angry at forced birth laws, rape culture, ultra-nationalism, colonialism and xenophobia, among many others.

So many it is hard to hold all of them.

I am aware of my privilege, that allows me to be just angry. Means I can get information, means I am (for most) at least a degree separated from the pain and harm they cause.

This anger is a drive to help, to become aware of the consequences on those who are targets. To work to ease and hopefully clear some of the pain and hate they receive.

So, I have awareness to be thankful for, and the embrace of all things that come with it.

Have a good Thanksgiving.