A Thanksgiving Statement from Your Neighbor, Billy Buckbee…

Friends and Neighbors,

With Thanksgiving approaching in the year that no one wanted, I’d like to pause for a moment of reflection to look at the new opportunities before us. Bear with me as we rise above the negatives, the anger, the sadness and take inventory of all that we have, and what we can and should do, amidst chaos and madness. We are all facing hardships, but if we remember what it is to be thankful for what we have … as much or as little as it may be … then we will all win.

2020 has (if nothing else) reminded us that simple pleasures carry heavy weight. You have the power to help others and there is strength in doing so as well. We are all obligated to make our world better but where is that directive? Where is that mandate? Focus your energies on the impact you can make upon YOUR world. Give of yourself to those in your immediate family, your circle of friends and to your community.

In 2006 I went to Paraguay for two weeks to give eye exams and glasses to those less fortunate. The villages we visited made the equivalent of $40/month American. They were Impoverished and had every right to be angry and to feel burnt by their surroundings.

The trip changed my entire life perspective. I met with many who spoke ancient dialects and many others who could not communicate with me verbally. They had no shoes on their feet. Some had 3 or 4 teeth. Some had no sight. They all had one thing in common though … happiness. None of it was found in material items. They found joy in life and in each other. They shared hugs as openly as the smiles and they showed me that they weren’t poor at all – but rich with life. With love of life.

This year I reflect even more on my experiences in South America. The people were thankful for what they had, not angry for what they’d lost. If we are to recover from a pandemic or social unrest … it starts with you. With me. It starts with your character of who you are and what you would like to give to those around you. It is more contagious than the virus itself, and light is always far more powerful than darkness.

Let’s share that light this holiday season and try our hardest to be our very best. Together we are so incredibly powerful, and we CAN overcome, one person at a time. Give of yourself and you’ll receive it back tenfold. When we come out of this on the other side, we will have experiences and lessons taught to last a lifetime more.

God bless each one of you this Thanksgiving. I am thankful to be here, to be a part of my community and to be one ray of light. Let’s light up the sky!

Warm Regards,

Billy Buckbee