On Giving Thanks The European Way, Or, Freedom: It's The New Black!

by: fake consultant

Wed Nov 25, 2009 at 13:17:03 PM EST

A Different Kind of Christmas in Michigan

by: LiberalLucy

Thu Dec 11, 2008 at 13:36:10 PM EST

Growing up in the Metro Detroit area, there were good times, and then there were tough times, but my family still managed to always have Christmas that included plenty to eat and gifts under the tree.

Some years, that required my dad to work three jobs and my mom to work two, not to mention raising three kids, one of which was chronically ill (me) often times paying up to 25 different medical bills a month. Somehow we always got by, and now as adult, I can only imagine the financial juggling act that occurred with a mortgage, car lease, bills, groceries and the like.

After he was laid off from the Buick plant in the late 80's, my dad took on a side job as a pizza delivery man to help supplement the family's income. As a pre-teen, I remember being a little embarrassed seeing my dad don the company hat and come home smelling like a pizza oven. I'll never forget my mother admonishing me, "Be proud that your father is able to work and support his family, that's more than some people can do." I had really never thought about it like that before, too young to understand how dire the circumstances actually were.

This year is on track to be one of the toughest years for most Michigan families, including my own in the last 50 years. My mom starts her new job today, after being unemployed for the better part of the year, while my dad tries to not let the frustration of his own unemployment get the best of him. In addition, I have an uncle and an aunt who are also both without jobs, and my own sister walks into her job each day uncertain if she will be included in the latest round of lay-offs. 

Even with all this, my family is among the lucky few this holiday. When Christmas Day arrives, there will be gifts under the tree, and there will be food on the table, but certainly not to the extent there was in years past. Instead of everyone getting gifts for everyone else, we're drawing names. We're cutting back on the type of food and the quantity we're serving, and clipping coupons and checking sale ads before making any purchases. 

A recent report from the Michigan Non-Profit Association shows a dramatic increase in the demand for support, while financial and in-kind support for these same organizations has dropped significantly. The reasons will come as no surprise to any of us: the economy, fuel costs, foreclosure rates, and cuts to the state budget.

From the 'Giving Thanks' files...

by: LiberalLucy

Thu Nov 22, 2007 at 12:08:02 PM EST

But today, I'd like to give thanks to this community and this state for several things, and you are a big part of that. Feel free to join me in offering your thanks below, particularly if you've gotten something out of being a member of this community.

I'm thankful for being a part of an incredible state, full of wonder and beauty, both natural and man-made that's Pure Michigan.

I'm thankful for the freedom of thought, expression, speech, religon, and identity.

I'm thankful for the many men and women who choose to serve our country, both here at home and abroad.

I'm thankful to a humble man who had a dream of his own that later blossomed into this wonderful community.

I'm thankful for being part of a community that cares about what happens to every member of our society, not just the ones that look and think like us.

I'm thankful for real public servants who fight for what's right and aren't afraid to stand up to those who serve a different kind of master.

I'm thankful for a multitude of opinions that are voiced here on a regular basis, because the world would be a boring place without them.

I'm thankful for the Tubes of the Internets. Without them, we would have never met. :-)

I'm thankful for you, because you are a rich and vibrant part of this community, and you help shape us into the great voice that we are.

In short, thank you for making MichLib a regular part of your day. Here's to a happy Thanksgiving to all and safe and healthy holiday season!