Despite their groaning, I ask my family every year on Thanksgiving to just name something for which they are thankful.  And while they may roll their eyes at me, they all comply and I am often surprised and moved by the list that they provide.  Thankfulness is as important for the little things as for the big and I do think that it is important to never lose sight of those people/things/experiences for which we are grateful.

I have much to be thankful for this year-both personally and professionally.  I am thankful every day to be a part of this organization, to have the opportunity to be a part of the lives of some amazing older adults, to learn from their wisdom and to both give and receive a lot of love.  It is a rare day to walk down the hall here and not have some hugs, kisses and warm handholds from residents and it is an incredible gift we all receive.  I am grateful for a great team of staff, who bring compassion and commitment every day, who never waver even when the challenges are great, who always focus on our mission, "that aging be an enriching and fulfilling experience."  I am grateful for our wonderful community, our board who supports and believes in us, our volunteers who enhance the lives of our residents every day, our donors and friends who help make it possible for us to do our work. 

We thank you for your dedication to Cedar Village.  If you are a family member, we especially thank you for allowing us to share in the life of your loved one and to helping make their days and years full and meaningful.  We wish all of you a healthy and happy holiday.

I know that, beyond giving thanks, many of us  have been, and will be, praying for the safety and peace of the State of Israel.  Rabbis Walter and Yudin have shared a prayer that I thought might be appropriate at this time:

We ask Your blessing, Eternal One, for the State of Israel,  

For the Land of Israel, and for the People of Israel.

Bless those who defend the Land and protect its people.

Bless its leaders with wisdom, courage, and dedication.

Rock of Israel, the Israeli people have been called to serve

May they be resolute in the face of challenge,

And unwavering in the pursuit of peace.

Fulfill in our day the ancient promise:

"Zion shall be redeemed through justice,

And its inhabitants through righteousness."  Amen.

All the best,  

carol@cedarvillage.org