Thoughts for Thanksgiving

Remembering Erma Bombeck, a cherished humorist, whose wry humor included Thanksgiving. Despite suffering from a hereditary kidney disorder, she became a best-selling author before her death in 1996. The post also highlights John F. Kennedy’s perspective on gratitude and notes developments regarding his family’s political legacy.

updated November 24,2025

 

“What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?”

Erma Bombeck

Erma Bombeck-humorist, writer

Beloved for her wry yet warm look at family life, Erma Bombeck was America’s favorite humorist at the time of her death in 1996. Ten of her 13 books, including Forever, Erma, appeared on the New York Times best-seller list. (affiliate link)

She suffered from a hereditary disorder called adult polycystic kidney disease, and spent years on a waiting list for a transplant.  On April 3, 1996, she received a kidney transplant but passed away from complications later that month.

W. T. Purkiser (1910-92) was a prolific writer, respected scholar, and well-loved preacher within the Church of the Nazarene who also had a significant voice in the larger Christian community.

John F. Kennedy, President of the United States

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

John F. Kennedy. 

Elected in 1961, John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States. He was the youngest man elected President. On November 22, 1963,  a few days before Thanksgiving, he was assassinated by a bullet wound to his head.

His younger brother Robert F. Kennedy served as Attorney General for his brother. He later ran for President and was shot and killed while campaigning.

In 2024, his nephew, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., ran for President but later withdrew from the race. President Donald Trump nominated him as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and he was confirmed by the Senate.

In November of 2025, President Kennedy’s granddaughter Tatiana Schlossberg announced that she has acute myeloid leukemia, a diagnosis she described as terminal.

“Schlossberg thanked her husband and her family for their support and for countless days spent at her bedside.” (NBCNEWS.COM)

 

Sharing the HEART of gratitude

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.

9 thoughts on “Thoughts for Thanksgiving”

  1. Happy Thanksgiving Aletha and thanks for sharing weekend words for Thanksgiving. Saw it at SSPS# 288, where I shared #65 through 69. Best wishes for s grateful holiday season. Nancy Andres @ colors 4 Health.

    Liked by 1 person

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