Giving Thanks, the Nineth

Yesterday morning I woke up and felt rather chilly.  Throwing clothes on to take Riley out, I noticed the temperature in the house was 66!  Brrrr!  When we returned from our morning potty run, I flipped the heat on for the first time this season - living on the third floor does have certain advantages like staying warmer than most when those first really cool/cold days come calling.  I just put it on to take the chill out and turned it off later since I had heard it was supposed to get warmer during the day, which it did.

I love the autumn season, the cool crisp air and changing colors, but I don't necessarily like waking up cold.  Having the heat on, taking that first chill out of the house and making it comfortable once again is something we can take for granted.  With the flick of a switch we turn it on and get warm air.  Not everyone is that lucky.  A community activist here in Chicago decided to sleep outside with the homeless to draw attention to their plight.  While I have heat and blankets and pillows to snuggle on cold days some only have a cardboard box and tattered clothing.

I am thankful for a warm and safe place to live, for the comforts of my home and the security of having a home to come back to after a day away.  It just makes me aware all the more that even in today's 21st century America there are those who don't have that.  Let's not take our simple blessings for granted.