It probably took everyone for surprise when we gathered around the dining room table for Thanksgiving dinner and I asked what each person was thankful for. Just one thing. No big brain strain, but whatever came to mind at first.
I think it is a given that we were thankful for each other's company and the food or we wouldn't have bothered to come.
Auntie Ellen was thankful that she had been asked for dinner and for me. I blushed.
It suddenly occured to me that I was thankful for the privilege of being able to cast my vote in an honest election in a country that has everything and wants for nothing. Some of our citizens may but the country as a whole doesn't. The year that I was married I had few rights by law, I couldn't get a credit card without my husband's co signature, I couldn't have a medical procedure without his approval, I couldn't get a mortgage alone. Thank God things have changed. I do not have to wear a chador or someother form of forced anonimity. I can freely walk about, work where I want, earn what I want, say what I want and vote when I want and for whom I choose. And on Tuesday I will do that.
