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In Thanksgiving




Back around the turn of the first century, the stoic philosopher Epictetus wrote, "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." In the throes of a pandemic, it can be difficult to rejoice and not grieve. I was reminded of this recently, when one of our Loaves and Fishes families delivering meals to Mr. Murphy, our Director of Security currently on leave, called me from the Long Island Expressway with a story they had to share.

After the family dropped food on his stoop, Mr. Murphy insisted they come in: "No, no, please," Mr. Murphy said. "I have something important back here." Still recovering from major surgery, he returned from another room with several large bags of cans. "Here, for the Eighth Grade boys and Mr. Ryan ... for the drive. I've been collecting for weeks." In need himself, Mr. Murphy wasn't thinking of what he didn't have; instead, he was thinking of the boys, their work, and others. When I shared this with the Eighth Grade boys that same day, one of them commented, "What a Thanksgiving story!"

What a Thanksgiving story indeed.



Epictetus lived a life of great simplicity with few possessions and was known to be able to induce any listener to feel just what he wanted them to feel. He had that gift. Mr. Murphy has that gift too and he gave it this Thanksgiving, helping us "feel" gratitude.

In that spirit, thank you teachers, coaches, staff, tutors, and fellow parents who have helped Melinda and me educate our four children. There is no gift more precious than the gift of education--a gift no one can take away. 

Whether via a warm smile at a day's beginning, expert tutelage throughout, or a quiet moment at day's end, your influence and impact is eternal, and for that we are truly thankful. For "we can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."*

 I bid your leave this season of thanks with a touch of Emerson --

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food,

For love and friends,

For everything thy goodness sends.

Happy Thanksgiving.

*Thornton Wilder, American novelist and playwright

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