Tag: Thanksgiving

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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Why we can be thankful for music

The pandemic may have suppressed flash mobs, but a heartwarming video of one in a hospital has been preserved. Music’s positive effects on health are noted, with scientists exploring its benefits. The video features music students performing “The Waltz of the Flowers” at Hadassah Hospital. It emphasizes the link between music and health.

Have “flash mobs” gone away? Maybe because of the pandemic they’ve been suppressed. So I’m glad this one has been preserved on video.

You don’t expect a flash mob to happen in a hospital, but when you think about it, isn’t that one of the best places for one to happen? Music makes us feel good. Music can touch us in ways that medicine can’t.

“Music has been around since ancient times. It is part of every known culture. It can get your foot tapping, lift your mood, and even help you recall a distant memory. Did you know that music can bring other health benefits? Scientists are exploring the different ways music stimulates healthier bodies and minds.

“When you listen to or create music, it affects how you think, feel, move, and more,” says neuroscientist Dr. Robert Finkelstein, who co-leads NIH’s music and health initiative.”

Watch this and see if you agree.

The Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 

performed by music students at the Hadassah Hospital

 

The Waltz of the Flowers  on DVD is available at Amazon

(this blog earns a small commission if you purchase from this link)

sharing the HEART of music and health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha