"To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.”
- Albert Schweitzer
The year of 2023 is grinding to an end. What can we all say? Who could have envisioned a microchip shortage that would cripple the auto industry for the first half of the year, and send used car prices skyrocketing? Or a crippling UAW strike that was different from all the ones we’ve seen in the past. Certainly not me, and thankfully the strikes have been settled.
If you chose to spend time with your family or friends on Thanksgiving Day to share a good meal and perhaps some football, remember that there are a lot of people who are not as fortunate
We have troops in all parts of the world who wish they were home with their families. There are a lot of moms and dads, and brothers and sisters, and children missing their mom or dad who are serving so that we can enjoy the freedom of living in the United States.
Crime and emergencies don’t take holidays either, so while your biggest stress of the day may be whether the turkey is too dry, out on the streets are police officers on patrol, fire fighters responding to calls, and paramedics and medical personnel standing by in case we need them. Hospitals don’t close.
If you know anyone in the medical field, let them know America is thankful for them. Covid and the flu continues to strain those who dedicated their lives to helping others. Please let them know how much we appreciate each and every one of them.
If you are enjoying your Thanksgiving, think of those I mentioned and those I forgot to mention. Take a minute to look around and count your blessings, I bet they are more abundant than you realize. Call a friend you have been meaning to call. Take a minute and check on an elderly neighbor. Donate to a worthy cause. Mend a rift you had with a family member, friend, or co-worker. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
The past few years has taught us that life is precious and you must seize every opportunity to love those around you. Make sure that if you lost a loved one today, you would have no regrets.
I am thankful for our listeners, you are the reason the Car Pro Show exists. I want to thank our radio station affiliates for believing in what we do and airing the show. I would like to thank the entire staff of the Car Pro Show. There are many behind the scenes whom you don’t know exist, but they do a great job.
I am thankful, too, for our Dealer affiliates who strive to make what I say on the air a reality for our listeners. Our dealers have had a trying year, also. They’ve had to work through virtually no inventory, escalating vehicle prices due to market conditions, all the while making sure to keep their dealership families fed and keeping the doors open.
This year, more than any other year in the past, I have tried to give you an escape from what is going on around us, even if it is just for five hours each week on your radio.
Please remember, don’t drink and drive, and don’t text and drive.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jerry Reynolds, The Car Pro
Photo Credit: karen roach/Shutterstock.com