A holiday tradition continues.

I would like to share with all of our readers my Thanksgiving thoughts, hopes and wishes. In a couple of days, many of us will gather at the dinner table enjoying valuable time and special moments with family and friends, while satisfying all our hunger needs with the consumption of traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and of course, a piece of pumpkin pie.

Unlike in 2020 and 2021, last year everyone was able to return to a “normal” holiday surrounded by reminders of just how thankful many of us are. Yes, families are gathering again, or even traveling to destinations to continue that special bond with loved ones as we celebrate another Thanksgiving.

We still grieve, though, over the absence of family and friends taken from us too soon. Their memories, however, will forever remain in our hearts. And there is still a struggle for individuals looking to establish a consistency when it comes to jobs and incomes in order to provide for their families.

Those who lost wages, and perhaps so much more, should be in our thoughts not only at this time of the year, but on a daily basis. Thanksgiving has a way of calling to mind just how fortunate we are, despite the many obstacles that get put in front of us. And while one might find jobs or specific chores seemingly too difficult to endure, one should also realize that perhaps such a job or task isn’t so difficult to deal with after all compared to hardships others face with a much higher degree of frequency.

Despite the fact that the valuation profession does have its issues, I hope appraisers, and everyone else, understand that no job or career is perfect. Part of working is to have pride in what you are privileged to do, and to make the best out of challenging situations put in front of you. No matter what our chosen profession is, we all have the ability to make someone else’s day better.

One can reasonably and fairly assume that those people still medically suffering, or out of work just looking for a place of warmth and something to eat this Thursday, would trade places with those so professionally “frustrated” in a heartbeat.

I ask everyone to keep in mind something this holiday season: “I cannot change yesterday; I can only make better today with the hope of that same opportunity tomorrow.” Let’s remain positive, proactive and above all, thankful. I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!