Being Thankful

Thankful can be defined as feeling gratitude or being glad about something. It is easy to overlook the many things we have to be thankful. For example, when having a somewhat unexpected and unpleasant event occur or being on the receiving end of a disgruntled person, I often have to remind myself of the many things I have to be thankful – a loving family, many friends, house, great career and so many other things. You may have heard the phrase, “one bad apple spoils the bunch.” We have to remind ourselves when in difficult situations or times to be thankful for the many great things in our lives. This column is intended to reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for living in the United States.

Often times we forget how fortunate we are to have things such freedom. We can pursue the dreams we want, marry who we want, eat what we want and so much more. Give thanks to those who have served our country or are currently serving in the military. We are offered numerous educational experiences as well. Knowledge is power. We are able to attend any school we desire and can continue our education for the rest of our lives. I am blessed to have the opportunity to learn about the amazing work done by my University Of Nebraska colleagues and share that with clientele in the area.

Giving to those in need is another way we can practice gratitude. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Report, “an estimated 12.7 percent of American households were food insecure at least some time during the year in 2015, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. That is down from 14.0 percent in 2014. The prevalence of very low food security declined to 5.0 percent from 5.6 percent in 2014. Both declines are statistically significant.”

Let’s talk about the Thanksgiving meal, include some facts about Thanksgiving and examine reasons to be thankful. First of all, according to the USDA, about $670 million is the monetary value of turkeys consumed for Thanksgiving every year which is based on an estimated 46 million turkeys and 92 cent-per-pound. On average, it costs about $50 for a 10-person Thanksgiving meal. Included in the $50 meal is the turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and beverages of coffee and milk (Source: American Farm Bureau). You can thank our American farmers and ranchers who are able to provide us the bounty of safe and affordable food we are able to consume.

Now let’s talk trivia:

Q: Why are turkeys raised?
A: Because of their excellent quality of meat and eggs

Q: What is a male turkey called?
A: Tom

Q: What is a female turkey called?
A: A Hen

Q: What sound do turkeys make?
A: Only tom turkeys gobble; the female makes a clucking sound.

Q: How many feathers does a turkey have at maturity?
A: 3,500 feathers

Q: How long does it take a turkey to reach market size?
A: Hens usually grow for 16 weeks and is 8-16 lbs. when processed while tom usually takes 19 weeks to reach market weight and weighs 24 lbs. Large toms (24-40 lbs. are a few weeks older.

Regardless of what you do this Thanksgiving, remember to be thankful for what really matters.