Starting to Give Thanks Early

Where do I start?  In no particular order of importance,

because that would be impossible to decide, I

present you two men.  Two men who have been in my 

life who, in somewhat similar ways, have influenced me

in their own subtle style.  I say subtle because neither

of them was ever brash or boastful, overbearing or

obnoxious,  but instead quiet, sensitive, sensible, and

responsible for the well-being of their beloved families.

My memory of them keeps me humble and focused

on being a good provider and a loving father.

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Here's my Uncle Don, Mom's big brother, in 1949 rowing

his scull on Carnegie Lake in Princeton.  Let's not get too

excited - he was a Yale man through and through, but he

was a Jersey boy first, and I think Grampa bought 'Geridum'

from somebody around there for him.  Please correct me if

I'm wrong, Mojo.  It's too late to call and I really want to 

post this.  You'll get your 15 minutes later.  Just comment.

Joseph George Jomo came from humble beginnings, 

not unlike so many from his generation.  He worked hard 

and became successful, and in turn provided extremely 

well for his wife and two children. He always made time 

for his kids.  My mother beams when she speaks of him. 

Don couldn't have had a bigger supporter.  

I've always wanted my girls to feel the same about me.  

I think so far I'm on the right track. That dedication to his 

family carried over to the next generation, and my 

cousins, brother and sister, and I have been fortunate

to benefit from his vision and generosity.  These two men

are always missed at the table, which has now grown

tremendously big on Thanksgiving Day.