Black Friday

I talked to many people about how they felt about Black Friday.  Believe it or not nobody agrees and strongly believes that around Thanksgiving people should spend their time with families rather than planning on shopping early the next day.

I also agree. Thanksgiving is a beautiful American tradition and we should keep it as it is or make it better. That day is all about being thankful for people and everything we have. But it’s seems like we are losing the real value, instead of being thankful some people are rushing to get to the store to buy more things.   

The way I look at it that, it’s not just about us but it’s also about our next generation. We are paving the way for them so they can keep the  tradition going.  What kind of message are we giving to them? Spending time with family or buy more and more things just because it’s on sale. Aren't we teaching them to be materialistic over family values?

As many of you know I grew up very poor. Growing up there were many days we didn't have food to eat and growing up around five sisters there was not a single thing I could call my own. I wore clothes passed down to me. But here is the beautiful side to all that. The way my mother raised us we didn't care about  things or who gets what. As long as we had each other we truly cared and loved each other. Things don’t make us happy. What makes us happy are the feelings, love and care we provide for each other. Kids watch what our actions, not what we say. It is sad to say especially in the states, we Americans are so in to having more and the bigger is better. Everything has to be from the latest technology to following the  latest fashion. Sometime it makes me scared and I worry about our future and our kid’s future. Why can’t we be happy with what we have. Why do we have to have more bigger and new things?    

Companies know what many of us are after and that’s why whether you agree or understand that we are their target. That’s why every year they start their advertisement earlier than last year competing with other companies. They don’t care about family values or how important Thanksgiving day is. They only care how much profit they can make on Thanksgiving day. I feel sorry  for many employees who would rather be at home with family or friends but what choice do they have.

I grew up having very high family values and my family was, is and always will be at the top of my priorities and I really wish many people who don’t understand how important family is, can understand. I also know not everyone is lucky to have a family but family is not just blood relatives. Anyone who cares about you or you care about them makes them a part of your family. I wish and hope on this 2014 Thanksgiving everyone has a great time with family and friends and please think before stepping out of the door for black Friday shopping,  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude

This Thanksgiving season I have countless people to be thankful for, but there are some very special people who have been in my life for a long time and they have made a special place in my heart. They are the ones who have always there for me but especially when I needed them the most. They are my friends and neighbors.

I met these beautiful people when I first moved to Mahomet back in 1999. And after 15 years they all have become a part of my family. They are very caring and loving human beings. They are real people who truly care of one another. They don’t care about skin color or nationality but look at each other as humans.  My friend’s and neighbor’s names are Lana Malaise and her husband Rene Malaise and Jim Caputo and his wife Tammy Caputo. I want you four special people to know how much I appreciate you all and I feel truly blessed to have you in my life. From the bottom of my heart please accept my gratitude.

I have heard people say when you need help your family comes later; your friends and neighbors will be there in no time. And that’s so true. I have experienced it many times.

Lana, there is a lot to say about you and I don’t know where to start. You aren’t just my friend, you are like my sister, guidance, supporter, counselor and my girl’s Aunt. You have a beautiful heart and are a beautiful woman from the inside to outside. I truly enjoy our friendship and hope we will be friends for the rest of our lives. Lana, you made me feel comfortable in no time and as you already know I trust you with my eyes closed.  Rene you are another beautiful human. I thank you for everything you have done for me and you have always been there when I needed you.

Being a single mom is hard enough but on top of that there is always something that needs to be done around the house. And I am not a handy woman at all. And of course most of the time things break when you least expect it. Renee and Jim are my friends and my handy man. You are always available fixing something around my home without expecting anything in return. I truly appreciate you both.   

When I went to Pakistan to visit my Mom the only thing I had to worry or plan was my own trip. I didn’t have to worry about who was going to take care of my home or any other things here. It’s a great security to know you have people who you can count on and they will not disappoint you. I left without worrying about anything and you took care of my home like your own home. While I was there I was worry free because I knew my home was in good hands. This is just a one example how good you people are to me.

Jim, I never forgot what you did on September 11.  We had just moved to Mahomet. On that day I was nervous for my girls and that’s why I went to school early and brought my girls home and didn’t let them play outside. That evening you came to my door and made me feel comfortable and gave me security about my girl.  Anytime I called for any kind of help you are always available, I thank you for that.

Last summer when I went to Pakistan I gave my home key to Lana and her husband to look after my home. I also talked to Jim and Tammy letting them know I was going and asked for them to please keep an eye on my home. Right after I left, Rene’s mom passed away. Without letting me worry Jim took over and mowed my lawn and took care of things around the house. He even went the extra mile and start seeing things needs to be fix around my home. He didn’t have to do that but that’s him: a caring person. Along with many other things that needed to be fixed he also noticed my sump-pump wasn’t working. He didn’t have to but he fixed it and a week later while I was still gone, Mahomet received horrible rain. Many homes got flooded but mine didn’t because of Jim. He saved my home. After I came back, Lana, Rene,  Jim and Tammy came by many times making sure I was okay. They are truly nice, caring and loving people. I am lucky I have neighbors like them. Tammy my friend you know how much your friendship means to me. You are a very sweet and caring person and I thank you for that.

I honestly believe we have more good people in this world than bad people. Good people are making a difference in someone’s life every single day without letting anyone know about it and we call them unsung heroes.

On this Thanksgiving time, I am grateful to my girls, all of my friends, neighbors and my family all around the world. I feel lucky I have lots of people who care and love me. I thank you all for being who you are and I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!