Postcards from the Funny Farm

It’s Thanksgiving in 2 days and everyone in my family is abuzz with plans of turkey, stuffing, bread, and sweet potatoes (well, that’s the stuff I like anyway). Turkey day has always been an amazing time of memory making for me throughout my life whether through watching Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone marathon or playing guitars with the relatives and visiting, it has always been a smooth calm place to center. I remember things and people like the teachers I am thankful for, the mentors, my parents, and all the material things that I am blessed with on Thanksgiving. But “turkey day,” as we call it is not so much glitter for some. Many are homeless in my town, state, and country this season and I think about them specifically on this day. I try to volunteer what I have whether it be time or money to help offset this tragic reality. I have volunteered in the L.A. Union Rescue mission soup kitchen and though I was giving, I gained so much empathy, thankfulness, and understanding in return.

But it should never be a sad time.

The lines at the soup kitchen, their long tired faces with stories too long that no one could ever fully hear, should serve as an equalizer. They should remind us that we all stand at the doorway or poverty. We are not “better” than them, only different in what we have. Their hidden world goes on 24/7 all around us in the streets, back alleys, and even in cardboard boxes. When it comes to life and we see it up close, we are reminded of our fragile security.

In essence, it all boils down to a cosmic soup kitchen: we get what we’re served. Have you served others lately? Maybe this Thanksgiving could be a time for you to start. Or maybe take time to be thankful for what you have.

Why not start a tradition this year to go around the table and share what you are thankful for. Remember that some folks are whiffing in hot soup with their eyes closed and thanking God for it. Remember them at your table as well. Their faces are our faces at some cosmic soup kitchen unseen.  Think of it as an image to balance out the manic holiday for you in the level wealth that you enjoy.
Happy Thanksgiving.

There are many ways to make a difference. One way is by donating a meal online at the Union Rescue Mission for $1.64 They are doing great work there.