By Chris McDonald

A year ago, during the week of Thanksgiving, many Americans found their holiday season to be more stressful than ever before.  The economy was in the midst of a crippling recession, and many families were fearful about the future.  The stock market was in a free fall, and many believed our financial system was on the brink of collapsing. 

I was more of a witness than a victim to much of the financial chaos that was happening around me.  Many of my older co-workers, some twice my age, saw much of their savings disappear.  Money that many of them began putting away when they were my age had vanished, through no fault of their own.  The system had failed them.  I saw their struggles as a lesson in disguise.

A year later, as we near the beginning of another holiday season, many find themselves in the same situations financially, but more at ease with what the future holds.  As the country’s economy slowly crawls out of a recession, the assurance that the worst is behind us has eased some fear, but not enough for us to return to a comfort zone.

I want to put politics aside for one blog, and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  It is one of the few days throughout the year where we can put aside our problems, no matter how big or small, and celebrate all things positive, with the company of family and friends.  Unconditional support for one another is a key element of rising up together, through any tough situation.  It is what separates us as Americans.  We never do it enough, but always seem to do it when it is needed.

I want to personally say to those who inspire me to be a difference maker: I am thankful for you.  I am thankful for your words of encouragement, and motivating acts of kindness. The challenges the country faces impact us all, and for those of us who live in Maryland, D.C and Virginia, we see the realities of those challenges on a daily basis.  This Thursday, however, let’s forget about all of that.  Stuff our faces, watch football, and enjoy each others company.  That is, until we fight through lines at Walmart for HD TVs on Black Friday. 

Some things never change…Happy Thanksgiving.