There is much to be thankful for
Picking up the local news as of late can also be anxiety inducing with all the disagreements over the immediate past election. Yet, this week is Thanksgiving, a holiday we reserve each year to give thanks and there is much to be thankful for at all levels. Just a few examples: On a personal level I am personally thankful for my family, extended family, friends and those who have become friends this past year. I am thankful that the water tower at the Soldiers’ Home has been restored to its full glory, helping to remind us of the mission of facility below it. Thanks can be given for high voter engagement and for having so many people willing to put themselves through tough political campaigns. A heartfelt thank you to all those who strive to help the needy in our city, not only on Thanksgiving but year round. I am thankful for those leaders of civic engagement who have no other motive than to make Chelsea a better place to live, places like the Community Garden, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, all the sports leagues and the many other groups with similar goals. I am thankful that we live in Massachusetts where retail employees and so many other non-critical workers do not have to work and can spend time with their families. The other half of that coin is to thank all those essential employees, the fire fighters, police officers, hospital staff and soldiers who are away from their families to keep all of us safe. These days I am not much of a religious person but I do consider myself a spiritual person. We have much to be thankful for when it comes to the role of religious intuitions in the city. From hunger and homelessness to safety and community building our religious leaders have stepped up time and time again to help those that need it most.
As a community we do so much to help each other and most of those missions move forward regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or political affiliation. There is more that unites us than divides.
I am not suggesting that we ignore the discord and debate that has dominated the paper for the past few weeks, rather we could all benefit from a much needed breather. If you were to ask my advice I would say put the paper down and breathe, enjoy Thanksgiving, shop at local businesses on Small Business Saturday and pick the paper back up on Sunday afternoon. The drama will still be there, trust me.
Thank you
Matt Frank
Chelsea City Council, District 3