Division I
Division II
Division IIIGod cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
~C.S. Lewis, Writer (1898-1963)
I went to the Veterans Administration the other day to get some prescriptions refilled and make a doctor's appointment. I took note of the numerous men and women who served the country. Some were in wheelchair, scooters, and walkers. Age has slowed many down.
I'm part of this group of veterans, having served three years in the army. Being a transgender veteran gives added meaning. Though I was wasn't out during my time, I can say that I performed my job (pharmacy tech) with distinction. Many of my fellow vets did likewise.
DIVISION I
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY WILDCATS
DIVISION II
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
Saint Francis de Sales, Cleveland (1567-1622)
Thanksgiving Day is about a week after Transgender Day of Remembrance. I never saw the significance of this occasion until now. We celebrate the lives of transgender people lost to violence. We also are thankful for the impact they may have made on our lives.
I can imagine that it must be bittersweet when we realize that a member of the family will not be there to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner. The sting of our trans sibling being lost to senseless violence is strong. I temper that with the gratitude that they were a part of my journey.
Regardless of the feeling you may have about this holiday, reflect on the people who may no longer be here but will forever be in your heart. That is something to be thankful for.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
~Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman Statesman (106BC-43BC)
I attend the Veterans Day parade religiously every year. Each year I trek downtown to pay homage to my fellow veterans. As I watched the contingent of Korean veterans march by, it reminded me of how they encouraged me to participate and share my story.
I served in the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, Kansas in the First Meddac Division (1971-1974). I was a pharmacy tech. I never went overseas but the experience of being a part of something greater than myself was life-changing. I didn't know that I was transgender until 2005 but maybe it was better that I didn't.
Men and women of all sexualities and identities have served in the armed forces with dignity. The ban on transgender people serving was wrong-headed and stupid. I am proud to have served my country. I am proud to be a transgender veteran.
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, chaos to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast,
It can turn into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
~Melody Beattie, Writer (b.1948)
We are making preparations for Transgender Day of Remembrance. We will be having it on Friday, November 19th, at my senior center, both virtual and in person. I saw the list of the women and men murdered this year and it's really sad.
Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.
~Nido Qubein
This month I will post much about Thanksgiving and thankfulness. It is a 365 day thing. I'm thinking that, maybe, Thanksgiving Day is overlooked. However one feels about that special day we should always be thankful for everything.