"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 2024 is grinding to an end. This is a year that saw some normalcy finally return to the car biz. No chip shortages, no strikes, no dealer computer hacks, no Covid closing showrooms, and in most cases the return of big incentives, big discounts, and full dealer lots. 2024 changed the electric vehicle landscape a lot, and it is likely to change even more in the next year. This year brought the retirement of my Trusty Sidekick Kevin McCarthy, and I welcomed Todd Chambliss to sit in the chair next to me.
If you choose 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, either. If you know anyone in the medical field, let them know America is thankful for them. 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 as we learned from the loss of Mike Shaw last week.
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 66 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.
This year, as every year in the past, I have tried to give you an escape to 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
