The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
When Was The Last Time?
By Elaine Slater Reese
I seldom hear people say that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday. Most of us do enjoy it-probably because the turkey is not the only thing that gets stuffed!
Most of us don't send Thanksgiving cards. Few of us buy fresh flowers for the table. This holiday just seems to get crammed in between all the preparations for winter and Halloween and Christmas.
Thanksgiving appears to me to often be celebrated like the other November holiday-Veterans' Day. It means mail is not delivered and we get the day off from work.
How many of us actually spend even five minutes reflecting on the real meaning? How many of us stop in the middle of the rush and thoughtfully list our blessings?
When was the last time:you went to bed hungry-not just desiring a particular food, but pains from the hunger;you slept on a park bench or in a shelter because you had no home of your own; you walked five miles to get somewhere because you had no transportation; you cried yourself to sleep because you could not think of one person in this world who really cares about you; you were parched for water; you had two sets of clothes-they no longer fit and are filthy; the morphine no longer helps alleviate some of the pain?
When was the last time you had no electricity or running water for months at a time; lived in a war zone; did not have the right to express your opinions or worship openly as you pleased?
Something to think about-right?
BUT THEN, THANKSGIVING IS JUST ANOTHER HOLIDAY.
Editor's Note: Elaine Slater Reese is a freelance writer in Spring Green, WI, who grew up in Hancock County - near Bowen. She regularly sends articles to The Quill on special occasions.
Reflections of a Holiday Walk
by Michael Smith, West Burlington, Iowa
My heart was filled with delight as the spirit of Christmas came upon me the evening I visited Stronghurst during their Christmas Walk.
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. And to see this community coming together to celebrate it and also raising money at the same time in order that others too can enjoy the season of giving and loving really warms my heart.
I came to the town to take pictures for The Quill newspaper and got a lot more than just great photos.
The weather was pleasant, the decorations were up and I got to hear some beautiful Christmas music as I enjoyed going from place to place meeting the people who took the time and energy to accomplish this community event.
Oh the joy it is to see people joining together to reach a common goal and that of helping others
With all the music, the lights, and the people of the community opening their businesses and their hearts, it made for a very blessed evening.
I highly recommend that everyone, every year, go to Stronghurst and witness firsthand what a great place it is and how they come together during their Christmas Walk to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Which is, of course, Christ's birth and to be a blessing to others.
Appreciates Care Of His Father
Dear Neighbors,
Although I have been away from Henderson County for over forty years, I still consider it home. The reasons are many, but one is the feeling you get only in truly knowing and caring for your neighbors.
For the last two years, my father was a resident at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab. I hope you all appreciate the hidden jewel you have.
Although I could only get home occasionally, I could tell from my visits with Dad that he felt he was at home there. The treatment he received and the respect he was shown by everyone on staff made him feel he was valued. He loved his visits to the farm, but he was ready to head "home" as the afternoon wore on.
After his last stroke, the love and care shown by everyone from residents to staff and administration made an unbearable situation bearable. Our appreciation goes out of all of you.
David Rawhouser
Arlington, Texas