The Big E – Expressions Of Gratitude

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222 – November/December, 2023

By Elaine Lessig

“What expressions of gratitude would you like to share with Thanksgiving, December holidays, and the New Year upon us so soon?”

I asked that very question to exhibitors, judges, officials, and spectators at a big show recently. My intention was to gather some great inspirations to share with you, my kind readers, as 2023 ends and 2024 begins. Instead, I left the show grounds perplexed by what I was hearing from many of those I asked. Instead of uplifting thoughts of family, holiday traditions, important events, or simply the wonders of daily life, the responses were mainly disappointing.

It’s fair to ask what some of these lackluster replies were. One judge shared that he was grateful to be working over Thanksgiving. “I won’t have to drive all those miles to my daughter’s and then come home again, exhausted,” he said. Several exhibitors wanted their dogs to finish, win breeds, or get a group placement at the show. Others were simply glad that the rain from the day before had stopped. Among a few handlers I heard from, one of them said, “Great judge for me today.” Another quickly told me, “Nothing for me in the groups today. I’m packing up and going home early.”

Do you see a thread coming through from those answers? Honestly, my expectations were one-hundred eighty degrees in the opposite direction. Instead of memories of holidays past, friends or relatives no longer among us, an unforgettable gift, or the joy of celebrating with others, I listened to self-directed thoughts which were not in any way related to my question. There simply was an absence of real, sincere gratitude. Where has it gone? Was it never here? Are we losing the ability to make contact within ourselves and with others? I certainly hope not.

Click here to read the complete article
222 – November/December, 2023

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