Put focus on thanks

Whew! I’m glad the election is finally over. No doubt, the socialists and liberals are dancing with joy. The fact that Initiative 1000 passed is indicative that Americans place less value on life than on what they can get for themselves.

Another indication is the fact that Christmas is already being shoved down our throats. While we are being forced to endure carols, in early November, a far more important holiday is getting the usual brush off. I am, of course, referring to Thanksgiving Day.

Did you know that the Puritans refused to celebrate the Mass of Christ? To them, gratitude for surviving their first harsh winter warranted a huge feast that took four days to prepare. As a gesture of friendship, they invited their Native American neighbors. This is a far cry from our modern tradition of stuffing our guts in front of the TV.

Now is the time to practice getting involved. My wife and I have invited homeless people (or just fellow church members with no family) to join us. I spend the entire day giving thanks to God for the blessings of the past, present and future. Do you? Giving thanks puts life in a new perspective.

Douglas Benn

Spokane

Chef stepped up

My name is Meloni, and I’m one of Liz’s aunts (“Dying teenager gets her graduation wish,” Nov. 21). Since her diagnosis a few years ago, this remarkable girl has fulfilled goals that many of us spend our much longer lifetimes working toward.

Several months ago, another bucket list item was crossed off her list, thanks to a local Spokane restaurant. Liz, like many kids who saw the Disney movie “Ratatouille,” wanted to try the dish before she dies. Many thanks to Tristan, head chef at Luigi’s, and the wonderful staff who made this wish possible. It was a beautiful evening that we will never forget.

Meloni Glaesemann

Spokane Valley

Appreciation appreciated

While leaving Costco on Veterans Day, and wearing my Retired Marine baseball cap, I was approached by two young “men,” approximately 9 to 11 years old, who handed me a hand-painted watercolored U.S. flag with silver sparkles glued on for stars. It was signed “Thank You,” and they thanked me personally.

This old sergeant major was doubly touched, as the Marines’ birthday (233 years) was Nov. 10.

With young “men” like this, I don’t think we have to worry about this coming generation.

Sgt. Maj. M. G. Sullivan

Spokane

Kudos for articles

What a great Sunday morning with The Spokesman-Review. Two lead stories that spoke of lives well-lived.

The ones who feed people in the name of Jesus, and then the story of the man John Yoshikawa behaving the same way – living life well, doing what he saw to do without credit or fanfare.

Thank you for the good report of noble people with pure motives.

Pat A. DeAndre

Spokane Valley

Another free meal

You missed a free meal site in your Sunday article: The Priest River, Idaho, Senior Center’s Monday Soup Kitchen, located at the corner of Fourth and Jackson streets.

Each Monday one of the area’s businesses, churches or service clubs shows up with pots of soup, sandwiches, salads and desserts, which are served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. All are welcome, and while those who can do donate to the cause, payment is neither required nor noticed.

As a rule, between 40 and 60 citizens show up for lunch, including some of the area’s business people. It’s a great spot for socializing as well as a good place to find a nutritious meal.

There’s no need for Priest River citizens to be without a good lunch on Mondays!

Marte Cliff

Priest River, Idaho