by Kaitlyn Hamilton

Created on: November 27, 2008

I remember a time when every restaurant, store, and gas station was closed on Thanksgiving Day. The whole world outside of our homes seemed to come to a complete stop. There were very few cars on the roads, except for those driving to visit with family and friends. It was a day for family and relaxation. Retail workers had the day off same as everyone else and it was completely unheard of for a retail establishment to be open.

Little by little, more and more businesses are open on Thanksgiving Day. In my home town in started with a few gas stations. People travel on Thanksgiving, so it makes sense for people to need gasoline and maybe the occasional convenience item. Unfortunately, it meant that a few less people would have the traditional benefits of Thanksgiving with their families. Soon, a few restaurants were open each year on Thanksgiving and they did a huge business because many families want to have Thanksgiving dinner together, but they don't want to have to prepare the meal. I'll admit that I'm one of the people who goes to a restaurant at some point on Thanksgiving Day. I know it probably isn't fair to all of the restaurant workers to have to be there on a holiday, but I'm certain the waiters and waitresses are paid well in tips for their much appreciated efforts.

Today is Thanksgiving Day, 2008. I spent the night last night in the Critical Care Lounge at a local hospital. My father almost died last night and now he's on life support and unconscious, but slowly improving. It was one of the toughest nights of my life. I'm very thankful for all the doctors and nurses who give up their family time in order save others. Once my father wakes up, I'm certain he too will be most grateful. Not only did these wonderful people give up their holiday, but they worked miracles. Had they been bitter and uncaring due to having to work on such an important day, then my father might not have made it through the night. Instead, they were brilliant and very kind. I sincerely have a lot to be thankful for today.

This morning, I seem to have developed a terrible cold and of course I didn't have any cold medicine and under the circumstances, I didn't have a chance to shop for Thanksgiving Day food this week. I was very relieved to find that a local pharmacy was open. If I want to be useful to my father when he wakes up, then I have to beat this cold. After I picked up my medicine, I went to the Shoney's where I ate a very nice Thanksgiving lunch. The staff were all pleasant

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