Thanksgiving Day

An opportunity to pause, count your blessings and give thanks

By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator

Thanksgiving, our national day of giving thanks, began as an opportunity for the Pilgrims to give thanks for a successful harvest and for the blessings of the past year. Today, the holiday provides each of us with a built-in opportunity to pause and think about how very fortunate we are.

In October 1621, 53 Pilgrims (survivors of the Mayflower) and 90 Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast to give thanks. Today, their three-day feast is acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. (Turkey, pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce were not on the menu, and historians believe that only five women were present!)

Individual colonies and states celebrated days of thanksgiving for more than two centuries. It wasn’t until Oct. 3,1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that a national Thanksgiving Day be held each November. Credit is often given to Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” for convincing Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

This year, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Nov. 24. Many of us will prepare our own feasts and gather with families to be together after these past two difficult years. We will share stories, watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football games. We might even plan for Black Friday. For others however, the impact of Hurricane Ian may significantly alter their plans. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them.

Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what you have. Whether it is for your family and friends, your health, your home or your ability to live in “paradise,” Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to pause to not only think about, but also express, our gratitude for our many blessings. Although WCA does not engage in fundraising, we want you to be aware that Federation has established a Hurricane Ian Emergency Relief Fund for those in our community who are in need as a result of this catastrophic event.

When talking about their move to Southwest Florida, women frequently mention they felt fortunate to have the Women’s Cultural Alliance in Greater Naples. (It is the only such organization in the country that is under the auspices of a Federation.) I asked several WCA members what WCA provides that makes their life more enjoyable and even more meaningful. Below are some of their responses.

“WCA has undoubtedly been the reason why I love my Naples life! I will forever be grateful for the meaningful connections I have developed through WCA. Having such a wide network of wonderful friends to share various activities and interests has been so much fun and has helped me stay active. Thank you WCA!” ~ Judith Belmont

“I am so grateful for the many friendships I have made through WCA, which have enriched my life beyond measure. It is a pleasure to be giving something back this year through my volunteer work for what has to be the best Jewish women’s group in the country.” ~ Darlene Muller

“When I think of gratitude, the first word that comes to mind is joy. When I first started coming to Florida, I was looking for something that would bring me joy. As I think of all the events and activities I participate in, I have to say that it’s not just WCA’s diverse services; the ladies I have met are my real joys. I am grateful to WCA for promoting friendships.” ~ Carol Sherman

“Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give well-deserved praise to the organizers of WCA. Their creative thought process and efforts have changed my life. Our WCA community inadvertently created my healthy aging, reinforced by strong, expansive human connections.” ~ Gail Nizin

“Joining WCA has literally changed my life. Moving to Naples, I never thought I could make so many wonderful friends at this stage of my life. WCA has given me the opportunity to return to activities that I love, including French and singing. I will always be grateful for WCA.” ~ Judy Copeland

Look for additional responses in WCA’s weekly e-newsletter. (But remember, you have to be a WCA member to receive the newsletter.)

The WCA Board of Directors joins me in wishing each of you a joyful and a meaningful Thanksgiving.